These astonishing photographs give an unprecedented glimpse inside the world of the Yakuza, the Japanese organised crime syndicates, known for their brutality, tattoos and strict code of honour ...

It's because of the association between tattoos and a mafia-like group called the yakuza - which has operated in Japan for hundreds of years. "Some people see them as a necessary evil and other ...

Of course, real-life Japanese yakuza are renowned for sporting ... This is even contrasted by the koi back tattoo of Kiryu's best friend and eventual enemy, Akira Nishikiyama, with the Japanese ...

"This is Mitsu san's art style, and whatever he thinks would look best, I wanna go with ... as many here associate tattoos with the yakuza, Japan's mafia. But for some fans that warning proved ...