Why Every Japanese Tattoo Begins With a Conversation
Journal Entry No. 13
Before a tattoo is drawn, before the stencil is applied, and before the first line is tattooed, there should be a conversation.
For me, that conversation is one of the most important parts of the entire process.
A collector may come to me with a clear idea of what they want. They may already know they want a dragon, tiger, koi, or another traditional Japanese subject. Others may only know that they are deeply drawn to Japanese Irezumi but are still searching for the subject that feels right for them.
Both are good places to begin.
The conversation gives me an opportunity to understand the person behind the tattoo.
Why are they drawn to a particular subject?
What meaning does it have for them?
Where do they see the tattoo on their body?
Is this a single tattoo, the beginning of a sleeve, or part of a larger composition that may continue for years?
These questions matter.
In Japanese Irezumi, the subject is only one part of the complete picture. Placement, scale, movement, background, symbolism, and the natural flow of the body all need to be considered.
A good conversation can reveal possibilities that may not have been obvious at the beginning.
Sometimes a collector arrives with one idea and, through discussion, discovers a direction that better fits their story and the long-term vision for the tattoo.
That is not about taking the collector's idea away.
It is about working together.
The collector brings their personal story, inspiration, and trust.
The artist brings experience, knowledge of composition, and an understanding of how the design can live on the body.
Together, the process begins to take shape.
After more than thirty years of tattooing, I still believe that listening is one of the most important skills an artist can develop.
Every collector is different.
Every body is different.
Every story is different.
And every meaningful tattoo begins somewhere.
For me, it begins with a conversation.
— Horiyume
Authentic Japanese Irezumi, preserving tradition, honoring culture, creating legacy.