Classic Dragon and Sakura Sleeve by TomTom

In traditional Japanese tattooing; known as irezumi, the combination of the dragon and sakura is both visually powerful and deeply symbolic. When used together in a full arm sleeve, these two elements represent a balance of strength and impermanence, drawing from centuries of cultural meaning and mythological roots.

The Japanese dragon (ryū) has long been a symbol of strength, wisdom, and protection. Unlike the dragons of Western folklore, Japanese dragons are typically benevolent, associated with water and the heavens rather than destruction. In tattoo art, they often appear as long, serpentine creatures with flowing whiskers and clawed limbs. A dragon sleeve represents control over chaos, spiritual power, and personal growth. It’s also linked to ancient beliefs that dragons were guardians of natural forces, especially rain and rivers—essential elements for life.

The sakura, or cherry blossom, carries a different message. In Japanese culture, the blossom's brief life is a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and embraced by samurai ideals, sakura symbolize both the beauty and fragility of life. In tattoos, they serve as a counterbalance to more dominant figures like dragons or tigers, introducing a sense of transience, humility, and reflection.

When combined in a single sleeve, the dragon and sakura create a powerful visual contrast—strength and softness, permanence and impermanence. The dragon may wrap around the arm in bold, dynamic lines, while the sakura petals fall gently around it, often used to fill background space or emphasize motion.

Japanese Arm Sleeve with Nue by Horiyama

In Japanese mythology, the Nue is a fearsome chimera with the face of a monkey, body of a tanuki, tiger limbs, and a serpent’s tail. Said to descend in black clouds and bring illness or misfortune, the Nue embodies mystery and dread — making it a compelling centerpiece for a powerful tattoo.

In a 3/4 Japanese arm sleeve, the Nue becomes the dominant force: twisted in a dynamic pose, its snarling face and coiling snake tail wrapping around the arm with tense, ominous energy. Traditional Japanese clouds swirl behind it, framing the creature in dark mist. Lightning bolts slash through the background, highlighting the Nue’s mythic entrance, while wind bars spiral along the contours of the arm, adding motion and storm-borne chaos.

This design isn’t just a showpiece — it’s a symbol of confronting the unknown. The Nue’s presence on your skin tells a story of surviving darkness, of turning fear into power.

INTRODUCING LOTUS CARTRIDGES

We're thrilled to announce that after years of testing, Lotus Cartridges have finally arrived!

Lotus Cartridges are built to meet the highest standards in tattooing—designed by Sunset Tattoo’s owner TomTom and Ryan Ussher from Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, with input from a global network of working tattooers. These cartridges are made for experienced hands that value quality, precision, and the feel of real tattooing. Stripped back to what matters most, we’ve eliminated the gimmicks and focused entirely on performance: clean ink flow, perfect tension, and the durability you need day in and day out. With reinforced back stems, 316L Japanese steel, a 99.5% needle perfection rate, and years of real-world testing behind them, Lotus Cartridges deliver the boldest colour, the sharpest lines, and the smoothest shading—with a feel that’s as satisfying as a bar needle.

Suminagashi Inspired Arm Sleeves with Peonies by TomTom

These black and grey full arm sleeves stay true to the foundation of traditional Japanese tattooing—strong composition, symbolic motifs, and balanced negative space. Peonies sit confidently in key positions across both arms, shaded with depth and clarity. The standout element is the way the background flows—rooted in tradition, but subtly influenced by suminagashi, the Japanese art of marbling ink on water.

While the design retains classic elements like wind bars (kaze), stylized clouds (kumo), and traditional spacing, the flow of these forms has a softer, more organic motion. The grey shading moves more like drifting ink than rigid pattern, wind lines curve with more natural rhythm. The background doesn’t mimic suminagashi directly, but it reflects its essence—gentle, continuous, fluid.

Both sleeves follow the same stylistic system. They aren’t mirrored, but they’re clearly part of a unified design. The peonies ground the movement, providing focal points, while the background carries the energy across the arms with quiet precision.

This approach respects the structure of Japanese tattooing, while letting the flow evolve. It’s not about reinventing the style—it’s about refining how it moves.

Nure-Onna and Chrysanthemum Sleeve by TomTom

Nure-onna, whose name translates to "wet woman," is a creature of Japanese folklore. Often described as having the head of a beautiful woman and the body of a serpent, she emerges near rivers, soaking wet, often cradling a wrapped bundle. Legends vary—some depict her as a misunderstood guardian; others as a deceptive spirit. What remains constant is her haunting beauty and air of mystery.

In tattoo art, Nure-onna represents duality: beauty and danger, seduction and fear, the human and the supernatural. She embodies the unknown within ourselves—those hidden depths and quiet storms. For some, she also symbolises resilience and adaptability, with the serpent's ability to shed its skin and survive in even the harshest environments.

Pairing Nure-onna with chrysanthemums (kiku) adds a profound layer of symbolism. In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is associated with the imperial family and is considered a symbol of longevity, renewal, and nobility. Its geometric petals and vibrant colors make it a favorite in traditional tattoo designs.

When placed alongside Nure-onna, the chrysanthemum can soften her intensity, grounding her in nature and tradition. It can also serve as a metaphor: even in the presence of the wild and unpredictable, beauty and honor endure.