Tattoos have long served more than a skin-deep purpose for troops, with many opting to showcase pride for their service, unit or occupational specialty through the body art medium.

One of his clients, 34-year-old Ryota Sakai, agreed – though he noted that traditional tattoos take longer, and therefore cost more (Ryugen, like most tattoo artists, charges by the hour).

In today’s generation, tattoos are seen as a way people can creatively express themselves. But in India, it is also seen as a Western ideology of freedom and identity.

Not everyone has a hand-tapped tattoo.” As luck would have it, Atalig had another opportunity to experience a tap tattoo while visiting Thailand with friends in June 2017.

Capt. Isis Sake, breaks ground as the first soldier of Samoan descent to gain permission to display traditional hand tattoos in religious uniform accommodation.