Horiyume | Authentic Japanese Irezumi & Traditional Tebori Artist
"I'm Tattoo Adam, also known as Horiyume, a tattoo artist dedicated to Authentic Japanese Irezumi and Traditional Tebori. My goal is to create meaningful, custom artwork that honors the traditions of Japanese tattooing while telling each collector's unique story."
History of Horiyume
Adam Siehr Khampong is an experienced tebori tattoo artist in Honolulu, Hawaii. Adam has over 30 years experience in the industry and specializes in one of a kind original custom tattoo designs and Traditional Japanese Tattoos. As a skilled artist, he has the ability to provide a beautiful unique custom tattoo, or a Japanese Hand poke tattoo that you will be pleased with. His many years of experience allows him to integrate your vision with his, no matter what style of tattoo you desire.
Originally a Graffiti Artist, Horiyume Tattoo Adam Waikiki hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he started tattooing in 1994. After a year and a half of apprenticeship, Adam launched his career at Accents In Ink apprenticing under John Cervantez , learning the fundamental aspects of tattoo work and developing his skill level. In 1997, Adam moved to Las Vegas, NV where he worked on the Las Vegas Strip tattooing at Diversity. There Adam enjoyed exposure to other artists and the experience of working in a busy tourist oriented shop, not to mention tattooing celebrity clienteles, including the legendary Mike Tyson.
In 1999, Tattoo Adam Waikiki moved to Honolulu where he could escape the flashy routine in Las Vegas and focus on building his custom portfolio. He was one of the first artists to help open Tattoolicious on McCully Blvd. where he concentrated on his custom work. Later, Tattoolicious integrated body art and hair styling which then Tattoo Adam moved to Aloha Tattoo on Ala Moana Blvd. in 2002.
In May of 2004, he opened a private studio, 434 Custom Tattoo, where he takes pride in doing quality custom Traditional Japanese tattoosreflecting in his tattoo work. Adam has flourished his studio with collectives from all his trips around the world. Here you will find many unique sentimental pieces that make Horiyume a unique Tebori tattoo artist . Memorabilia of his path of becoming one of the greatest tattoo artists can be found displayed wall to wall, ceiling to floor. Prepare to be amazed as you walk into this quaint and cozy studio. Clients get the luxury of Japanese Hand poke tattoos and gazing at all the artifacts while getting a tattoo by Horiyume. He may even share the story behind some of his findings. Not only is the studio aesthetically appealing, Adam provides his clients with a safe and sterile environment. Both shops are approved by the Hawaii Health Department and follow all safety guidelines and ethics.
in July of 2014 Tattoo Adam had officially received his New Tattoo Name by Legendary Tattoo Master Horiyoshi 3 . Since then Horiyume_tattooadam has been working very hard to live up to the name titled to him with the luxury of being a Tebori tattoo artist . .
Come into 434 Custom Tattoo and meet Horiyume and experience traditional Japanese tattoos. He works by appointments and tattoos 6 days a week from 8am or 10 am till 2 pm - located in the heart of Waikiki and sometimes found tattooing in Wahiawa by appointment only . Japanese Irezumi Hand poke tattoos is his specialty .
1. My Journey
It began when I was 17 years old, growing up around the graffiti world. During what we called a "motion", I fell from a train. That experience became an unexpected turning point in my life and eventually led me toward tattooing.
2. My Connection to Irezumi
For nearly 30 years, I have traveled to Japan to learn firsthand from the culture that gave birth to Irezumi. Those early trips were never about simply collecting tattoos—they were about studying an art form, understanding its history, observing its traditions, and building lifelong relationships with the people who dedicate themselves to preserving it.
3. My Approach
Every project starts with a consultation. This is where we discuss your ideas, the symbolism that speaks to you, your long-term goals, and how the tattoo will complement your body. Whether you're planning a single piece, a sleeve, a backpiece, or a full bodysuit, the design should never be an afterthought. It should be created specifically for you.
4. Tebori
Over the decades, I have continued to study Tebori through travel, observation, practice, and conversations with experienced tattoo artists from Japan and across Asia. Along the way, many generous artists shared their knowledge, offered guidance, and helped me better understand the techniques, philosophy, and discipline behind traditional Japanese tattooing. Those relationships have played an important role in my development and continue to inspire me today.
5. My Collectors
Large-scale Japanese Irezumi is not completed in a single day. Sleeves, backpieces, and bodysuits are created over months and often years. During that time, something special happens. The relationship between artist and client grows through trust, commitment, and a shared vision.
6. My Philosophy
It is a commitment, a journey, and a reflection of the person who wears it. Every line, every background, and every symbol should have purpose. A well-designed tattoo should not only look beautiful today—it should continue to tell its story for the rest of a person's life.
