Tebori
All outlines are done by machine. After that it is decided with the client whether the background, the colour or both are done by hand.
The method is called (tebori) and the tool which is used is called (sashibo). Tebori has been around for about 400 years. Sashibo and tebori needles are made from different materials. The details and secrets of how the instruments are made, varies in each tattoo family. Not only the needles and sashibo but also the Ink (sumi) is a well kept secret. Although the process looks more gruesome compared to machine, tebori is less painful and inflicts fewer trauma to the skin. Over time, the colours stay strong, deep and do not fade as much as tattoos done by machine. The color even gets smoother with each passing year.
Getting tattooed by tebori is a unique experience, not reached by machine. Click the link for more on TEBORI