Unwavering Creative Exploration in the Largest City in the World.

The Japanese art of tattoo; 300+ year history of beauty, myths, legends, and secrecy.

The art of tattoo in Japan is complex.  Although tattoos are normal now in most parts of the world it still has complicated social representations in Japan.  It has a romantic history as a forbidden art that’s exclusive for an outlaw society.   This reputation has truths in its history, but its much more complex than that.  It is an unwaveringly soulful art that’s traditions and rituals are second to none.  It would take a lifetime to scratch the surface of its complexity.

Japan is beautifully unique in so many ways; even the largest city in the world operates so orderly and clean. The magnitude of the Coronavirus epidemic was still masked in most of the world at this stage.  There was a higher than normal level of caution throughout the city, but Japan was still operating in its hyper orderly and clean way.

March 17th, I arrive in Tokyo for the second leg of my bi-annual trip to Japan for work, riding motorcycles and creative exploration. In addition to business, my ritual in Tokyo includes my continued journey into the historical art of Japanese tattoo with one of the worlds masters.  

Now come join me on my 4th session with master Horitoshi 1.

The spiritual essence overtakes you when you enter the studio.  Every step from that moment your immersed in the ritual.

The end, or just the beginning… 

- Photography by our friend: Jun, Obi

- Artist - Masters of Tebori, Horitoshi 1.