Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival

Japan’s relationship with tattoos has always been an interesting one. Both hailed and hated, tattoos sit in a strange middle ground here – celebrated for their artistry yet still carrying the residue of taboo. With a younger generation growing up on street culture and global references, that perception is slowly changing. More and more Gen Z Japanese are getting inked, and the city is turning out a new wave of artists working across every style imaginable – not just irezumi, the traditional Japanese form, but blackwork, realism, colour, and experimental hybrids that don’t belong to any school.

The Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival returns this year for its second edition in Kisarazu, Chiba. The international tattoo convention brings together artists from Japan and abroad across a range of genres and styles, showcasing their work live over three days. Visitors can watch tattoos being done on the spot, book sessions directly with artists and experience the craftsmanship up close. Beyond tattooing, there’s music, dance performances, contests and installations that tie the event closer to Japan’s broader art and nightlife scene. It’s not just for tattoo enthusiasts – anyone interested in art, culture or body expression will find something to connect with.