Tebori ​Traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo method Tebori ​Traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo method I use traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo methods and instruments. The instrument I use is called "Sashibo" and the method is called "Tebori". Tebori has been around since the Edo era (about 400 years ago). ​ ​ ​ While stretching the skin with one hand and tattooing with other hand, the artist uses the bundle of needles at the tip of Sashibo to hand poke ink into the skin. Sashibo and Tebori needles are made from different material. The details and secrets as to how the instruments are made varies in each tattoo family. Although the process looks more gruesome then a machine, Tebori is less painful and does less damage to the skin then a tattoo machine. The colors are strong and deep and do not fade as much as machine works do over time. The color even gets smoother with each passing year. Tebori tattoo

• 2: IN DEPTH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES AND VALUES OF IREZUMI | KENSHO II TATTOO STRONG GAMMAN Tebori ​Traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo method Tebori ​Traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo method I use traditional Japanese hand poke tattoo methods and instruments. The instrument I use is called 'Sashibo' and the method is called 'Tebori'. Tebori has been around since the Edo era (about 400 years ago). ​ ​ ​ While stretching the skin with one hand and tattooing with other hand, the artist uses the bundle of needles at the tip of Sashibo to hand poke ink into the skin. Sashibo and Tebori needles are made from different material. The details and secrets as to how the instruments are made varies in each tattoo family. Although the process looks more gruesome then a machine, Tebori is less painful and does less damage to the skin then a tattoo machine. The colors are strong and deep and do not fade as much as machine works do over time. The color even gets smoother with each passing year. Tebori tattoo

Irezumi ​Traditional Japanese tattoo Irezumi (刺青) means tattoo in Japanese and has existed since the Edo era (around 400 years ago). There are additional Japanese words with similar meaning such as: Horimono, Shisei, Monmon, Gaman, however Irezumi is most commonly used. The literal translation of Irezumi is 刺 poke 青 blue. Traditional Japanese Sumi ink turns a beautiful blue-black color after the ink goes into the skin. Irezumi can be found in two forms 2 of Kanji (logographic Japanese writing style) 刺青 (poke blue) and 入れ墨, which means punishment for crime. ​ ​ There are several reasons as to why the Japanese started make Irezumi.One of the reasons is: During a time when the much of the Japanese public were frustrated with the Daimyo's (government) tyrannical administration, a character called Kuniyoshi Utagawa developed the Ukiyo-e series "水滸伝百八人之一個 108 Heroes of Suikoden". The series consisted of 108 tough guys with tattoos of Japanese motifs, who gathered at Ryozanpaku (Dojo home to elite fighters who specialize in different styles of martial arts) to ridicule and dismiss corrupt officials. The series became popular among the people, and in turn Irezumi became popular for the purpose of decorating the body, especially among trained by manual workers, mainly firemen.

• 3: IN DEPTH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES AND VALUES OF IREZUMI | KENSHO II TATTOO STRONG GAMMAN Irezumi ​Traditional Japanese tattoo Irezumi (刺青) means tattoo in Japanese and has existed since the Edo era (around 400 years ago). There are additional Japanese words with similar meaning such as: Horimono, Shisei, Monmon, Gaman, however Irezumi is most commonly used. The literal translation of Irezumi is 刺 poke 青 blue. Traditional Japanese Sumi ink turns a beautiful blue-black color after the ink goes into the skin. Irezumi can be found in two forms 2 of Kanji (logographic Japanese writing style) 刺青 (poke blue) and 入れ墨, which means punishment for crime. ​ ​ There are several reasons as to why the Japanese started make Irezumi.One of the reasons is: During a time when the much of the Japanese public were frustrated with the Daimyo's (government) tyrannical administration, a character called Kuniyoshi Utagawa developed the Ukiyo-e series '水滸伝百八人之一個 108 Heroes of Suikoden'. The series consisted of 108 tough guys with tattoos of Japanese motifs, who gathered at Ryozanpaku (Dojo home to elite fighters who specialize in different styles of martial arts) to ridicule and dismiss corrupt officials. The series became popular among the people, and in turn Irezumi became popular for the purpose of decorating the body, especially among trained by manual workers, mainly firemen.

Gakubori Japanese tattoo background Gakubori compliments the main theme by expressing the world around it. This is achieved by adding backgrounds such as clouds, waves, and flowers. It has the effect of making the main theme stand out in the same way as framing a painting. The Literal translation of Gaku 額 is "framed", Bori 彫り is "tattoo". Gakubori has specific shapes and formula. Only the arms and back piece are possible to arrange independently with Gakubori. The abdomen and legs are assumed to be connected to them and they alone by themselves can not be completed with Gakubori. The abdomen is added together with the legs after the arms and back are finished. • Gaku of the arm must be from the chest(Hikae). Stopping just above the elbow(Go-bu), below the elbow(Shichi-bu, Hati-bu), or all the way up to the wrist(Nagasode). • The form of Gaku on the back is from a little above the back of the knee to just under the neckline(Kameno-kou, Sewari). • The form of front Gaku consists of two types, one which features a gap of untattooed skin roughly one fists width positioned vertically in the middle (Munewari), and a type that fills the whole area (Donburi). • The leg forms of Gaku in the case of Munewari can be straight down on thigh and drawn in an arc to connect with the bottom of Sewari, or it can be tattooed up to just above the knees (Han-zubon), or tattooed to under the knee(Hati-bu), or tattooed to just above the ankle (Naga-zubon). • In the case of Donburi, it can be Han-zubon, Hachi-bu or Naga-zubon. It can only be called Sousin-bori(full body tattoo) after filling the entire body with the exception of the hands, feet, head, neck and genital area. These areas are extra option. These shapes of Gaku and names vary slightly depending on the tattoo family(Ichimon) or region. Gakubori is the most important thing for traditional Japanese tattoos, and its quality affects the whole work. ​

• 4: IN DEPTH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES AND VALUES OF IREZUMI | KENSHO II TATTOO STRONG GAMMAN Gakubori Japanese tattoo background Gakubori compliments the main theme by expressing the world around it. This is achieved by adding backgrounds such as clouds, waves, and flowers. It has the effect of making the main theme stand out in the same way as framing a painting. The Literal translation of Gaku 額 is 'framed', Bori 彫り is 'tattoo'. Gakubori has specific shapes and formula. Only the arms and back piece are possible to arrange independently with Gakubori. The abdomen and legs are assumed to be connected to them and they alone by themselves can not be completed with Gakubori. The abdomen is added together with the legs after the arms and back are finished. • Gaku of the arm must be from the chest(Hikae). Stopping just above the elbow(Go-bu), below the elbow(Shichi-bu, Hati-bu), or all the way up to the wrist(Nagasode). • The form of Gaku on the back is from a little above the back of the knee to just under the neckline(Kameno-kou, Sewari). • The form of front Gaku consists of two types, one which features a gap of untattooed skin roughly one fists width positioned vertically in the middle (Munewari), and a type that fills the whole area (Donburi). • The leg forms of Gaku in the case of Munewari can be straight down on thigh and drawn in an arc to connect with the bottom of Sewari, or it can be tattooed up to just above the knees (Han-zubon), or tattooed to under the knee(Hati-bu), or tattooed to just above the ankle (Naga-zubon). • In the case of Donburi, it can be Han-zubon, Hachi-bu or Naga-zubon. It can only be called Sousin-bori(full body tattoo) after filling the entire body with the exception of the hands, feet, head, neck and genital area. These areas are extra option. These shapes of Gaku and names vary slightly depending on the tattoo family(Ichimon) or region. Gakubori is the most important thing for traditional Japanese tattoos, and its quality affects the whole work.

Japanese tattoo ideals Gaman ​ The literal translation of the word Gaman is "Patience". It acts as the cornerstone by which all tattoo clients rely on. ​ ​ Gaman-Patience ​ ・The patience to save the money for your tattoo ​ ・The patience of enduring the pain of the tattoo ​ ・The patience to commit to the time it takes to get tattooed ​ ・The patience to not show your suffering during the Tattoo ​ ・The patience to be still and not move during the tattoo ​ ・The patience to be quiet in the silence of your tattoo session ​ ・The patience to keep getting tattooed consistently until you're finished ​ ・The patience to not show your tattoo until it's completion ​ ・The patience to stop when the tattoo has reached balance. ​ ​ ​ Irezumi is a symbol of patience. It embodies the highest ideals for a man to achieve. To not show weakness in the face of adversity. To remain strong and see things through till the end. To not be foolish and Impulsive in life. All men should strive for such ideals.

• 5: IN DEPTH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES AND VALUES OF IREZUMI | KENSHO II TATTOO STRONG GAMMAN Japanese tattoo ideals Gaman ​ The literal translation of the word Gaman is 'Patience'. It acts as the cornerstone by which all tattoo clients rely on. ​ ​ Gaman-Patience ​ ・The patience to save the money for your tattoo ​ ・The patience of enduring the pain of the tattoo ​ ・The patience to commit to the time it takes to get tattooed ​ ・The patience to not show your suffering during the Tattoo ​ ・The patience to be still and not move during the tattoo ​ ・The patience to be quiet in the silence of your tattoo session ​ ・The patience to keep getting tattooed consistently until you're finished ​ ・The patience to not show your tattoo until it's completion ​ ・The patience to stop when the tattoo has reached balance. ​ ​ ​ Irezumi is a symbol of patience. It embodies the highest ideals for a man to achieve. To not show weakness in the face of adversity. To remain strong and see things through till the end. To not be foolish and Impulsive in life. All men should strive for such ideals.

Youshiki-Bi (Magnificent form of Japanese tattoo) Japanese traditional tattoos have some restrictions and minimum rules. It is essential to have the correct combination of patterns, backgrounds and correct arrangement according to each story. If you deviate from it, the design will no longer be a traditional Japanese tattoo. There are pairings for the left and right. This is also expressed vertically. Basically, elements are arranged from the bottom to top; the river, the ground, the sky, and the heavens. Because of these restrictions, the traditional Japanese tattoo has a sense of unity, and all the designs are intricately related to each other, complement each other, and add depth to the work. There are many anecdotes and stories depending on the design, so the combinations are diverse and showcase the tattooer's skills.

• IN DEPTH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES AND VALUES OF IREZUMI | KENSHO II TATTOO STRONG GAMMAN Youshiki-Bi (Magnificent form of Japanese tattoo) Japanese traditional tattoos have some restrictions and minimum rules. It is essential to have the correct combination of patterns, backgrounds and correct arrangement according to each story. If you deviate from it, the design will no longer be a traditional Japanese tattoo. There are pairings for the left and right. This is also expressed vertically. Basically, elements are arranged from the bottom to top; the river, the ground, the sky, and the heavens. Because of these restrictions, the traditional Japanese tattoo has a sense of unity, and all the designs are intricately related to each other, complement each other, and add depth to the work. There are many anecdotes and stories depending on the design, so the combinations are diverse and showcase the tattooer's skills.

Since 2003, I have been tattooing using traditional Japanese methods(Tebori) & instruments(Sashibo). I began apprenticeship with my master Takehisa Muramatsu in 2000. I was simply a customer of my master. My master liked me. I am not sure why. One day, he asked, "Do you want to become tattoo artist?" "Yes sensei," I replied. From that point, I started my tattooing career. Normally, it's very difficult to be given the chance to become a tattoo apprentice in Japan, especially within a traditional Japanese tattoo family. I was very lucky. The Japanese apprentice system is very strict. My master never taught me directly. Instead, I watched his technique and studied his drawings for couple years until I received permission to practice Sashibo and Tebori, but not on customers. I trained on various items such as paper, radish, banana, pig skin I bought supermarket, etc. After much repetition, I ultimately tried the techniques on my own skin and studied what sort of ink mixtures (Japanese traditional tattoo artists make black ink for each appointment) worked and looked better, how much force I should apply for Tebori, etc... Perhaps it sounds inefficient, but I think it was very important to trial and error on myself in order to improve. From 2003 to 2017 I started tattooing as a professional and was known as "Tenkiryu". Later, I received the title (sorry I cannot tell you name of title) from my master at the end of 2017, which I used from January to June 2018. Eventually, I had to change my title again to "Kensho The Second( Kensho â…¡)", it's a long story. But it is a name I like it much more than old title. The old title was as a successor of my master's tattoo family tree which began since around after the world war 2 period. The new title Kensho is my master's first name in On-Yomi(Kanji has two type of reading On-Yomi and Kun-Yomi) which means I'm in a direct line of my master as a successor. Life is strange. In recent years, I received invitations from numerous international tattoo conventions all over the world. Through the conventions, I made friendships and shared knowledge with other foreign tattoo artists. These experiences gave me inspiration and I began to find focus in a new direction. I now live in Netherlands, but keep traveling to enhance my skills and enjoy good times with friends and new faces. I am on a path to find the best possible way of tattooing in my life.

• RYU IREZUMI TRADITIONAL BY KENSHO II | AMAZING ART ALL THE WAY FROM NIPPON Since 2003, I have been tattooing using traditional Japanese methods(Tebori) & instruments(Sashibo). I began apprenticeship with my master Takehisa Muramatsu in 2000. I was simply a customer of my master. My master liked me. I am not sure why. One day, he asked, 'Do you want to become tattoo artist?' 'Yes sensei,' I replied. From that point, I started my tattooing career. Normally, it's very difficult to be given the chance to become a tattoo apprentice in Japan, especially within a traditional Japanese tattoo family. I was very lucky. The Japanese apprentice system is very strict. My master never taught me directly. Instead, I watched his technique and studied his drawings for couple years until I received permission to practice Sashibo and Tebori, but not on customers. I trained on various items such as paper, radish, banana, pig skin I bought supermarket, etc. After much repetition, I ultimately tried the techniques on my own skin and studied what sort of ink mixtures (Japanese traditional tattoo artists make black ink for each appointment) worked and looked better, how much force I should apply for Tebori, etc... Perhaps it sounds inefficient, but I think it was very important to trial and error on myself in order to improve. From 2003 to 2017 I started tattooing as a professional and was known as 'Tenkiryu'. Later, I received the title (sorry I cannot tell you name of title) from my master at the end of 2017, which I used from January to June 2018. Eventually, I had to change my title again to 'Kensho The Second( Kensho â…¡)', it's a long story. But it is a name I like it much more than old title. The old title was as a successor of my master's tattoo family tree which began since around after the world war 2 period. The new title Kensho is my master's first name in On-Yomi(Kanji has two type of reading On-Yomi and Kun-Yomi) which means I'm in a direct line of my master as a successor. Life is strange. In recent years, I received invitations from numerous international tattoo conventions all over the world. Through the conventions, I made friendships and shared knowledge with other foreign tattoo artists. These experiences gave me inspiration and I began to find focus in a new direction. I now live in Netherlands, but keep traveling to enhance my skills and enjoy good times with friends and new faces. I am on a path to find the best possible way of tattooing in my life.