Obsession is definitely a word that describes a lot about this story. As exceptionally skillful as Seikichi was to everyone, somehow I do not think he cared about that at all. He was just doing what he loved, or rather obsessed.
In the beginning, Seikichi was obsessed with the pain that he inflicted in the men that come to him for tattoos. He enjoyed seeing the swollen, bloody skin, the groaning and especially the collapsing of the men after coming out from the hot bath to reveal the true colors of their tattoos. Apparently, Seikichi was only obsessed with the pain he created to others. I assume so because the author did not mention anything about the outcome of the tattoos during this part. Surprisingly, his obsession changed dramatically when he met his “perfect woman.” With her, Seikichi was more into the outcome of her tattoo rather than the pain that she would suffer. As he said “I am afraid it will hurt, but be brave a little longer.” (Tanizaki page 82).
