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Japanese Tattoo Bangkok
by BKK INK

Irezumi sleeves and back pieces, Japanese tradition, modern precision

Traditional Japanese tattooing, irezumi, is built for large canvases: full sleeves, back pieces, koi, dragons and hannya masks. At BKK INK, Mhee, who learned the craft from a mentor, specialises in these large compositions, with Jack bringing his own Japanese work alongside, right at the end of Khaosan Road.

Hannya mask, snake and peony Japanese full back tattoo by Mhee, made in Bangkok
Hannya mask, snake and peony Japanese full back tattoo by Mhee, made in BangkokHalf hannya mask, half geisha, Japanese calf tattooRoaring tiger and peony Japanese arm tattooHannya mask, snake and clouds Japanese back piece tattoo by MheeGeisha and phoenix Japanese arm sleeve tattoo by Ball BKKFoo dog head and clouds Japanese sleeve tattoo by Ball BKKDragon head Japanese tattoo across the chest and shoulder by MheeKoi fish and waves Japanese arm sleeve tattoo by Mhee at our Khaosan Road studioCrane, cherry blossom and koi Japanese full leg tattoo by Ball BKKClose-up of a crane and cherry blossom Japanese thigh tattoo by Ball BKKKoi fish and red flowers Japanese calf tattoo by Ball BKKProwling tiger Japanese thigh tattoo by ZiaJapanese folklore figure and chrysanthemum shoulder tattoo by MheeDragon head and peony Japanese calf tattoo by MheeHannya mask and snake Japanese shoulder tattoo by MheeTwo sparrows and a peony, Japanese arm tattooCrane and koi fish Japanese full sleeve tattoo by MheePhoenix and hannya mask Japanese full sleeve tattoo by Ball BKK, made in ThailandCoiling dragon Japanese thigh tattoo by MheeDragon and pagoda Japanese full leg sleeve tattoo by MheeChrysanthemum flowers Japanese calf tattoo by MheeHorned blue creature and koi head, Japanese forearm tattoo by MheeHannya mask and kabuto helmet Japanese forearm tattoo by MheeDragon head and peony Japanese shoulder tattoo by MheeBlue koi and chrysanthemum Japanese calf tattoo by MheeHawk and lightning bolt Japanese full sleeve tattoo by MheeDragon and clouds Japanese shoulder tattoo by MheeDragon head Japanese full arm sleeve tattoo by Mhee in BangkokLeaping koi and cherry blossom Japanese calf tattoo by MheeDragon and cherry blossom Japanese full sleeve tattoo by MheeKoi fish and peony Japanese shoulder tattoo by MheeDragon and red ribbon Japanese forearm tattoo by MheeCrouching tiger Japanese thigh tattoo by ZiaPeony, koi and turtle Japanese forearm sleeve tattoo by MheeShishi lion masks Japanese tattoo on both thighs by MheeBlue horned creature and orange koi, Japanese forearm tattoo by Mhee

Who tattoos Japanese at our studio?

Two artists specialise in Japanese here. Mhee has been tattooing since 2003, the longest career on our team. What draws him to irezumi is the scale: a sleeve or a back piece where the dragon, the waves and the flowers read as one picture wrapping the body. He also tattoos high-contrast realism.

Jack, self-taught and with us since 2024, is best known for his Neo-Thai work, Thai mythology redrawn in a bold, illustrative style, and he brings the same strong composition to Japanese pieces. Most of the gallery above is Mhee's work; several pieces are by our co-founder Ball BKK, and two tigers by Zia. Japanese work is also one of the styles covered by the studio's 57 convention awards.

How does a Japanese tattoo project run?

It starts with a free consultation, with no obligation to book. Most of our Japanese projects are large, full backs, sleeves and chest panels, but we also tattoo small Japanese pieces finished the same day. Bring a woodblock print, a koi, a hannya mask, a dragon sketch or simply your story, and your artist designs a piece that respects the rules of irezumi composition: a main subject, a background of waves, clouds or wind, and seasonal flowers that tie it together.

Sessions run 4 to 6 hours, with breaks whenever you need them. A small panel of 10 to 20 cm is usually done in one session, and a half-sleeve in two to four. Full sleeves, back pieces (senaka in Japanese) and body suits take 4 to 10 sessions, with at least two weeks between sittings so the skin heals cleanly.

Needles are single-use, ink is poured into disposable caps that are thrown away after each client, and we work with Dynamic and Eternal inks, both vegan and cruelty-free. Our artists who tattoo at European conventions also hold the hygiene and sanitation certifications required there.

If you want to read about the roots of the style before you book, the Wikipedia article on irezumi is a good place to start.

What does a Japanese tattoo cost in Bangkok?

Japanese work starts at 4,000 THB, which is roughly the first hour: 1,000 THB of materials plus 3,000 THB per hour. All twelve of our artists charge the same rate, and you pay for the time actually spent, under a maximum agreed at the consultation.

On our size grid, a half-sleeve usually lands between 25,000 and 50,000 THB and a full sleeve between 60,000 and 120,000 THB; a back piece is quoted at the consultation. A deposit, from 1,000 THB for small pieces up to 3,000 THB per planned day for large projects, secures your date. See the full pricing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Japanese tattoo project take?

A small piece of 10 to 20 cm is usually done in one session, and a medium piece on the forearm in one or two. A half-sleeve takes two to four sessions; full sleeves and back pieces take 4 to 10, with at least two weeks between sittings.

Can I start a Japanese sleeve during a trip to Bangkok?

Yes, if you plan it. Small and medium tattoos can be done the same day, but a sleeve or a back piece is a multi-session project: plan your stay around it, or split it over several trips. We take bookings up to a year in advance, reply to messages within 24 hours, and speak English, French and Thai in the studio.

What's the difference between traditional irezumi and modern Japanese tattoo?

Traditional irezumi follows Edo-period rules: bold black outlines (sujibori), graded shading (bokashi), saturated colour and a natural flow along the body's curves. Modern Japanese tattoo borrows the imagery, koi, dragons, hannya, samurai, cherry blossoms, but allows a freer composition and a contemporary palette. We do both.

How do I prepare for a Japanese tattoo session?

Sleep well the night before, eat a full meal within two hours of your appointment, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Wear loose clothing that leaves the area free, a button-up shirt for back and chest work, and bring snacks, water and a phone charger: irezumi sessions are long. Once it's done, follow our aftercare guide.

Book your free Japanese tattoo consultation

Send us your idea, the area you want to cover and a photo of it. An artist looks at every photo, and we reply within 24 hours. Already tattooed? Read our aftercare guide.

Book a free consultation