My Connection to Japanese Irezumi
My connection to Japanese Irezumi has been built over decades of study, travel, and a deep respect for the traditions that continue to shape my life and my work.
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.
One of the defining moments in my journey was receiving my first Tebori tattoo in Yokohama, Japan.
Experiencing traditional Japanese tattooing from the collector's perspective gave me a profound appreciation for the patience, discipline, and craftsmanship behind the art. It was more than receiving a tattoo—it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to understanding Japanese Irezumi.
In 1997, Horiyoshi III presented me with a set of traditional tattoo tools. To me, they represented much more than instruments of tattooing. They became a symbol of responsibility, reminding me that mastering this craft would require years of dedication, humility, and continuous learning. They gave me long-term goals and reinforced that there are no shortcuts to understanding Japanese tattooing.
My education has continued far beyond Japan. In recent years, I have regularly traveled to Thailand, where I have the privilege of spending time with artists from across Asia. These gatherings bring together tattooers representing their own countries, artistic traditions, and generations of experience. Being surrounded by so many talented artists has broadened my perspective while deepening my appreciation for the diversity and richness of Asian tattoo culture.
Although I have spent decades studying Japanese Irezumi, I still consider myself a student. Every journey, every conversation, every tattoo, and every cultural experience teaches me something new. I believe that learning never ends, and it is that mindset that continues to guide me as both an artist and a collector.
My connection to Irezumi is not defined by a single tattoo or a single moment. It has been built through years of travel, study, friendship, and an enduring commitment to honoring one of the world's greatest tattoo traditions.