Journal Entry No. 5

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Thirty years of studying Japanese Irezumi has taught me that becoming a better tattoo artist is not simply about learning how to tattoo.

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It is about learning how to see.

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When I first discovered the work of Horiyoshi III at seventeen, I was captivated by the way an entire body could become one composition. The designs didn't simply sit on the skin. They flowed with the body, moved around it, and created a sense of balance from one area to the next.

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At that age, I was fascinated by the artwork.

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With experience, I began to understand the discipline behind it.

Over the past three decades, I've learned through tattooing, drawing, traveling, studying, observing, and continuing to place myself in the position of a student. My understanding of Japanese Irezumi has continued to evolve with every project and every experience.

I've learned that composition matters.

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A beautiful subject placed in the wrong position can lose its strength. A well-planned composition can make the entire body feel connected.

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I've learned that symbolism matters.

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The subjects chosen for a traditional Japanese tattoo aren't simply decoration. Dragons, koi, tigers, flowers, deities, and other traditional imagery carry history and meaning. Understanding that symbolism gives the tattoo greater depth.

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I've learned that patience matters.

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Large-scale Japanese tattooing isn't something that should be rushed. A sleeve, backpiece, or bodysuit can take years to complete. The process itself becomes part of the journey.

I've learned that the body matters.

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A tattoo should be designed for the person wearing it—not simply copied from a drawing and placed onto the skin. Understanding anatomy, movement, scale, and flow is essential to creating a composition that feels natural.

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I've also learned that there is always more to learn.

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Traveling to Japan and continuing my studies has reminded me that I can never consider myself finished. The deeper I go into Japanese Irezumi, the more I realize how much there is still to understand.

That humility is important to me.

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After thirty years, I don't see myself as someone who has reached the end of the road. I see myself as a lifelong student who has been fortunate enough to spend decades following a path that continues to inspire me.

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The greatest lesson may be this:

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Mastery isn't about knowing everything. It's about never stopping the pursuit of understanding.

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Every tattoo is another opportunity to learn.

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Every collector brings another story.

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Every composition presents another challenge.

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And every day gives me another reason to continue walking this path.

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— Horiyume

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Authentic Japanese Irezumi, preserving tradition, honoring culture, creating legacy.