Yakuza-- The Japanese Mafia

I came to this idea when I try to figure out a new concept for the mythical characters, something modern that able to contain the historical context in the same time. I picked the idea of modern and historical from my impression towards Japan. Japan as I see, is a land filled with both urban and traditional culture, this contrast can be seen in Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan is well known of its advanced technology and in the same time hierarchy from the past like kimono, samurai, etc. 

At first, I thought using the figure of the monster as tattoo would be very cool (yes, just cool), and it some how match with my intention. After watched an episode of Japanese drama, reminded me of the culture of tattoo in Japan has more negative impression than consider it as decorative body art. In Japan, tattoo used to be a mark for yakuza, the Japanese mafia. The gang members used tattoo to show their power and rank within the group or to other gangs. They earn respect with tattoo, because it was tattooed in way called 'irezumi', which the process of tattooing is done by hand, not machine, so the artist implant the ink with needle and tool made of bamboo. In order to gain the tattoo, one need to experience pain, and that is how the yakuza members prove their bravery. 

So my focus moved from tattoo to the characterisation of gang members, thinking how the meaning of the demons could used on shaping a human character. 

idea of Tengu tattoo [sketchbook]

idea of Tengu tattoo 2 [sketchbook]

I have several sketches of the view of back to show the tattoo. I want the tattoo to work as symbolic of the dark side of society and the characteristic of the characters.

ideo of Tengu character [sketchbook]

idea of Yamauba (Mountain Hag) [sketchbook]

idea of Yuki Onna (Snow woman) [sketchbook]

Further reading:
Kusters, A. (2015, October 21). Guns, girls... and amputated fingers: Extraordinarily intimate photos from inside the world of Japan's Yakuza crime gangs. Dailymail. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3282704/Prostitutes-guns-tattoos-amputated-pinkies-Extraordinary-intimate-photos-inside-Japan-s-fearsome-yakuza-crime-underworld.html

[The Documentary Channel]. (2013 Aug 13). Yakuza Tattoo Artist explains the significance of body art to the Japanese Mafia. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXBpd0KT7y4