A national tradition dating back to the 17th century, tattooing was associated with the criminal underworld of the Yakuza and outlawed for nearly a hundred years.
Tattooing wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence of Japan. Check out how the modern-day shops are holding it down at Into You Tattoo and Frith Street. The roots of tattoo culture run deep, in large part due to its 19th century popularity among the British Navy. London became the home to the world’s biggest tattoo convention by being one of the world’s best tattoo destinations. The 2009 installment will be held at the Tobacco Dock September 25-27 and day tickets are 20 pounds. The London Tattoo Convention showcases the heart and soul of tattoo culture with art exhibitions, an anthropological exhibition highlighting the history of tattooing by the Oxford Tattoo Museum, and burlesque performances by the ubiquitous Suicide Girls.
