Strong and bold, Japanese backpiece tattoos have been worn for centuries. This style of tattooing requires dedication and personal discipline. Book a consultation with Eli Ferguson or Edward Neo—two of the best Irezumi-style back tattooists on the Sunshine Coast. Bookings are available now.
Japanese Back Tattoos (Irezumi Backpieces)
Japanese back tattoos, also known as irezumi or horimono, are one of the most iconic forms of traditional Japanese tattooing. A full backpiece is designed to flow with the natural shape of your body, often extending into sleeves, ribs or legs to create a cohesive bodysuit.
At Wabori House Tattoo, we specialise in large-scale Japanese back tattoos on the Sunshine Coast. Each backpiece is custom designed, incorporating traditional elements such as dragons, koi fish, tigers, samurai and floral backgrounds like peonies and cherry blossoms.
Back Tattoos by By Eli Ferguson
Tattooing for more than a decade, Eli Ferguson is a dedicated tattooer committed to making classic Japanese style tattoos. Raised on the Sunshine Coast, tattooing has taken Eli around Australia and Japan to learn from the best and hone his craft.
Back Tattoos By Edward Neo
Edward sets his focus on creating large scale, impactful and long lasting pieces that speak beyond aesthetics for his clients. Being of Chinese descent, the oriental culture is deeply rooted in his upbringing.
Begin Your Backpiece Project with a Consultation
Backpiece tattoos require long-term planning and commitment, often completed over multiple sessions. Our approach focuses on composition, flow and longevity — to make sure your tattoo reads clearly from a distance and ages well over time.
Whether you're starting your first Japanese back tattoo or continuing into a full bodysuit, our artists can guide you through the process from concept to completion.
How To Book Your Japanese Backpiece Tattoo
Book A Consultation
We always start with a consultation to make sure we're the right fit.
Large-scale Japanese tattoos (such as sleeves, backpieces and bodysuits) require dedication, patience and budgeting.
We like to make sure if we are making this commitment to complete this work together, that we’re the right fit for each other.
At your consult, we will discuss your tattoo design requirements, location and any questions you have.
Choose Dates & Pay Deposit
When you are ready to proceed — we will offer you dates for your tattoo session/s (a full day is 5 hours). We usually leave 2 to 4 weeks between appointments to allow the skin to heal.
A deposit is required to secure these dates, and that amount is subtracted from your final tattoo session.
Start Your Tattoo
Please arrive on time for your session. As the studio is located on private property, no earlier than 10 minutes is appreciated.
Payment for each session is required on the day of the appointment and can be made by cash or bank transfer.
Japanese Back Tattoo Styles
Kameno-kou
A kameno-kou Japanese back piece tattoo is often referred to as a tortoise shell as it covers the thighs, buttocks and back.
Munewari
Munewari is a split chest Japanese bodysuit. Somewhat shaped like a coat, the arms, chest, back and legs are tattooed, with an untattooed space down the middle of the chest.
Soushinbori
Soushinbori is a full Japanese bodysuit. A Japanese style bodysuit tattoo includes sleeves, the back and all the way down to the ankles. Typically it is just the hands, neck, feet and genitals that remain untattooed.
Backpiece Tattoo Themes
Our Japanese style tattoo artists have designed backpiece tattoos for many different bodies, designing each piece to flow seamlessly for the wearer.
Whether you have a vision in mind or need guidance, we can discuss ideas with you and explain how we can tailor your Japanese-inspired backpiece to suit your body.
From composition to storytelling, we ensure every element is considered, creating a back tattoo that feels natural and balanced.
Back Tattoo FAQs
What is a Japanese back tattoo (irezumi)?
A Japanese back tattoo, also known as irezumi or horimono, is a large-scale tattoo that covers the full back. These designs are rooted in traditional Japanese tattooing and often feature elements like dragons, koi fish, samurai and floral backgrounds, designed to flow with the natural shape of the body.
How long does a Japanese back tattoo take?
A Japanese back tattoo is completed over multiple sessions and can take anywhere from 40 to 100+ hours depending on the size, detail and complexity. Large-scale backpieces are typically completed over several months or longer.
How much does a Japanese back tattoo cost?
The cost of a Japanese back tattoo depends on the size, level of detail and time required. Most backpieces are completed over multiple sessions, with pricing based on hourly or session rates. We recommend booking a consultation to receive an estimate for your back tattoo.
Can a Japanese back tattoo become a full bodysuit?
Yes. Many clients start with a backpiece and extend the design into sleeves, ribs and legs to create a full Japanese bodysuit (horimono). Planning for this from the beginning helps the design flow seamlessly across the body.
Do I need a consultation before starting a backpiece?
Yes. A consultation is essential for large-scale work like Japanese back tattoos. This allows us to discuss your ideas, placement, flow and long-term plan before beginning the tattoo.
Our Studio
Where is Wabori House Tattoo?
We are located on private property on the Sunshine Coast. 15 minutes from Buderim.
How do I make a booking?
To make an appointment, and / or book a consultation with one of our tattoo artists, please fill in our booking form.
All appointments require a non-refundable $200 deposit to secure the booking. If you cancel or reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment, this deposit is forfeited.
If you reschedule your appointment with more notice than 48 hours, the deposit is valid for 12 months since the date of payment, and will be deducted from your last sitting.
Why do I need a consultation for larger work?
A consultation allows you to discuss your tattoo design requirements, location and any questions you have.
Large-scale Japanese tattoos (such as sleeves, backpieces and bodysuits) require dedication, patience and budgeting.
This style of tattooing speaks strongly of one’s personal discipline, perseverance and pride.
We like to make sure if we are making this commitment to complete this work together, that we’re the right fit for each other.
Book A Consultation to get started.
How do I look after my tattoo while it's healing?
Our tattoo artists will discuss tattoo after care with you in person.
As with any break to the skin, it’s important to keep the ‘wound’ clean to promote healing.
We will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions on the day of your appointment.
What should I do on the day of my tattoo?
There are several things you can do to make your tattoo experience more enjoyable and to promote healing.
- Make sure you have had something to eat and drink about an hour before your tattoo.
- Wear clothes that will be both comfortable and practical. You know where you are likely to get your tattoo, so make sure you dress so that you can expose this general area while at the same time maintaining your dignity. We also have privacy screens if you'd like to use them.
- You may like to bring headphones, or other distractions, as you will generally be sitting for long hours.
- Please pack lunch if you have a full day booked. Being in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland there are no shops within walking distance.
I don't live on the Sunshine Coast, what is the best way to organise an appointment?
We offer phone consultations to help with the tattoo process.
Complete our Booking Form.and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Why Choose Wabori House Tattoo?
Established in 2021, Wabori House is a private tattoo studio dedicated to Japanese style tattooing. Licenced and professional, we pride ourselves on offering expert tattooing with respect for Japanese tradition.
◦ Private Tattoo Studio
◦ Sunshine Coast Hinterland
◦ Licenced and Professional
◦ 12+ Years Experience, Trained By Irezumi Master In Tokyo
◦ Fully custom design process
◦ Personal, pressure-free experience
Japanese Style Tattoo Artists
Eli and Edward aim to work with a community on the Sunshine Coast who can appreciate and wear large scale classic Japanese tattoos or ‘horimono’. We take a culturally respectful approach to Japanese tattooing.
Eli Ferguson
Raised on the Sunshine Coast, tattooing has taken Eli around Australia and Japan to learn from the best and hone his craft.
12 years ago Eli commenced his tattoo apprenticeship in Brisbane under Australian Japanese tattoo heavyweight Brendan O’Connor. Working beneath Brendan, one of Australia’s greats, laid the foundations for Eli’s culturally respectful approach to making Japanese tattoos.
It was through Brendan that Eli was introduced to Japanese tattooist Satoru Koizumi (One Shot Tattoo) and embarked on his first trip to work in a Japanese Tattoo Shop in Okinawa in 2015.
Edward Neo
Edward is a Singaporean tattooer who has been tattooing on the Sunshine Coast for over 6 years. He sets his focus on creating large scale, impactful, and long lasting pieces that speak beyond aesthetics for his clients.
Being of Chinese descent, the oriental culture is deeply rooted in his upbringing. While he takes on a variety of styles, his passion gravitates towards the traditional form of Japanese tattooing, thus building his foundation around this style.
Book a Consultation
Please fill in the form for all consult requests and bookings. All consults are free of charge. Tattoo appointments require a $200 deposit to secure the booking.
Located on the Sunshine Coast.