In ancient Egypt, the lotus flower was revered as a symbol ... The rugged rose on a sailor's arm, the Japanese yakuza's full-back peony tattoo, or the Nordic warrior's floral knotwork tattoo ...

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 ...

Ever since the inception of the Yakuza franchise, now known as Like a Dragon, the tattoos of its central figures have stood as one of its most important thematic elements. Of course, real-life ...