First post here and figured this would be a great time to post! I am about 1/3 of the way through my newest tattoo and have some pictures to share.

Some quick background, I am 25% Japanese, went to the motherland twice now to visit some relatives, which makes my grandmother, obason, full blooded Japanese. I have always been interested in this part of my family and the culture that it brings. After going to Japan twice and meeting some interesting people, cough cough *Yakuza* cough, I couldn’t wait to get started on a Japanese tattoo.

What the tattoo entails of are some Oni masks, think Shakespeare plays but in Japan, which symbolize everything from evil women and men to spirits and demons. The combination of masks with waves, clouds and cherry blossoms will make up the sleeves and chest pieces.

We started on the right side for now and will complete it before moving on to the other side. Here are the pictures:

Session 1 (7.5 hours- 11/25/2008)

only 4 images to a post… more below.