The Start of a Bodysuit by TomTom

Beginning a Japanese bodysuit tattoo often starts with the arms. In this case, the foundation is built with two full sleeves—each distinct but connected through traditional motifs and cohesive design. One arm features a dragon with chrysanthemums, while the other showcases two fu dogs paired with peonies. Sakura blossoms flow across both sleeves, tying the imagery together and setting the stage for future expansion.

The dragon is a central figure in Japanese tattooing (irezumi), symbolising strength, wisdom, and protection. It’s a dynamic, high-energy element, often chosen for its powerful presence and movement across the skin.

Here, the dragon is surrounded by chrysanthemums, a flower associated with longevity, perseverance, and the imperial family. The pairing of dragon and chrysanthemum balances power with order—an ideal mix for the start of a full bodysuit. The dragon’s motion complements the structured form of the chrysanthemums, creating a strong visual flow down the arm.

The opposite arm features two fu dogs (or komainu), a traditional guardian figure meant to ward off evil spirits. It brings a grounded, protective energy to the sleeve and contrasts nicely with the dragon’s fluid motion.

Peonies surround the fu dog—bold, full flowers that symbolize wealth, honor, and courage. They’re often used in Japanese tattooing to soften the composition without taking away from the strength of the central figure. The fu dog and peony pairing leans into a more defensive, grounded feel, giving the overall bodysuit a sense of balance between movement and stability.

Both sleeves are unified with falling sakura (cherry blossoms). These small, seasonal flowers are common in Japanese tattooing and represent the fleeting nature of life. More than just background, the sakura create rhythm across both arms and help connect the dragon and fu dog thematically.

Using sakura as a transitional element also prepares the sleeves to be expanded into a full bodysuit. They can easily blend into back pieces, chest panels, or leg work later on.

These two sleeves represent a strong starting point for a traditional Japanese bodysuit. Both arms feature iconic imagery with deep cultural meaning, and the design choices are well-balanced—dragon and fu dog, chrysanthemums and peonies, motion and weight. The sakura bring cohesion, ensuring the overall piece already feels unified and intentional, even before the rest of the bodysuit is added.

Whether the next step is the back, chest, or legs, the framework is already solid.

Japanese Dragon Back Piece by TomTom

A full-back Japanese tattoo is one of the most visually powerful and culturally significant forms of body art. Among the most popular motifs is the dragon — a symbol of strength, protection, and wisdom — this one is paired with sakura (cherry blossoms), which contrast the dragon’s energy with themes of impermanence and beauty.

A typical full-back Japanese dragon tattoo often features the dragon’s body coiled across the entire back, with the face positioned centrally along the spine. This central placement draws immediate attention and creates symmetry, anchoring the design. The dragon is usually depicted in traditional Japanese style — elongated, serpentine, and dynamic — with intricate scales, claws, and a fierce expression.

Behind or around the dragon, sakura petals or full blossoms are integrated into the background. The blossoms are often scattered across the design, giving the impression of wind or motion, adding visual depth and balance to the more aggressive energy of the dragon.

In Japanese culture, dragons are associated with water, storms, and natural forces. Unlike in Western mythology, they are typically protectors and are seen as wise and noble creatures. A dragon tattoo represents strength, control, and spiritual awareness.

Placing the dragon’s face in the middle of the back, especially along the spine, serves both an aesthetic and symbolic purpose. It creates a visual focal point and reinforces ideas of vigilance and protection. The eyes looking outward convey power and presence.

Sakura symbolise the fleeting nature of life. They bloom briefly and fall quickly, reminding people of the temporary nature of beauty and existence. Including sakura in the tattoo adds contrast to the dragon’s permanence, creating a dual message of strength and awareness of life’s transience.

This type of tattoo is typically done in the irezumi style — traditional Japanese tattooing, characterised by bold outlines, detailed shading, and strong colour work. Common colour schemes include black, gray, and dark green for the dragon, with red, pink, and white for the sakura. Backgrounds may include clouds, wind bars, or waves, enhancing the motion and flow of the design.

Due to the scale and detail, this kind of tattoo often requires multiple sessions and a high pain tolerance. It’s a serious commitment and typically chosen by individuals with a deep respect for the cultural and symbolic elements.

WELCOME BACK CARPE

We’re so excited to have our good mate Carpe back with us at Sunset after some time overseas!

Carpe’s been off gathering inspiration and honing his craft, and now he’s back with fresh ideas and that same steady hand we all know and love. He specialises in Japanese tattooing and fine line work—whether it’s a big, bold dragon or a super clean, minimal piece, he nails it every time.

His Japanese work really captures the flow and tradition of the style, and his fine line stuff is insanely precise. If you’ve been thinking about getting something done, now’s the perfect time—Carpe’s back, his books are open, and we’re stoked to have him in the studio again.

Double Koi Sleeve by Horiyama

In Japanese culture, the koi fish is a symbol of strength, determination, and transformation. According to legend, koi that swim upstream and ascend waterfalls are rewarded by being transformed into dragons—a metaphor for perseverance through adversity. When paired, two koi often represent duality: balance between opposing forces, such as yin and yang, or the interconnected dance between masculine and feminine energies.

Each koi’s colour can also carry its own meaning. A black koi symbolises overcoming struggles, a red one represents passionate love or strength, and gold signifies prosperity and wealth. Whether placed in opposing directions or swimming in a circular flow, two koi suggest harmony in movement and a never-ending pursuit of growth.

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest tree species on Earth, is a revered symbol in Japanese art and philosophy. Its fan-shaped leaves represent endurance, timeless beauty, and peaceful strength. Ginkgo trees famously survived the Hiroshima bombing, further embedding them in the national consciousness as emblems of resilience and hope.

In tattoo art, ginkgo leaves bring an organic softness that contrasts with the dynamic motion of koi. Their flowing forms complement the sleeve’s curves, gently framing the koi and adding balance to the composition.

Watanabe no Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon by TomTom

Among the many motifs in traditional Japanese tattooing (irezumi), the battle between Watanabe no Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon stands out as a design that combines visual intensity with rich cultural meaning.

The story comes from Heian-era folklore. Watanabe no Tsuna, a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, was sent to investigate strange happenings at the Rashōmon gate in Kyoto. There, he confronted a fearsome oni—Ibaraki-dōji. In a swift and violent clash, Tsuna managed to sever the demon’s arm. He brought it home as a trophy, but days later, the demon returned in disguise, stole the arm back, and vanished.

This scene has been portrayed in Japanese art for centuries, and in tattooing, it becomes a dynamic narrative across the skin. Beyond the visual drama, the design holds symbolic weight. Tsuna represents bravery, loyalty, and discipline in the face of chaos. The demon stands for deception, inner struggle, or lingering threats. Together, they create a powerful metaphor for personal battles—those moments in life where we’re tested by forces beyond our control, and where even victory may leave something unfinished.