While tattooing has been elevated to an art form in many Western cultures – even featuring in exhibitions at some of the world’s biggest museums and galleries – irezumi (tattoo) is looked down upon in Japan, with many Japanese perceiving it as a sign of intimidation or a connection to the underworld. In fact, the Mayor of Osaka, Toru Hashimoto, has been battling to ban tattoos from his city since 2012. (Credit: Rooksana Hossenally)