(Hiroshi Nishimura)
Hiroshi Nishimura is a tattoo artist based out of Kobe, Japan, who also travels overseas to share his craft with others. Nishimura, who says he joined the profession because he thought being a tattoo artist would be “cool,” shared his thoughts on the tattoo culture in Japan.
Q. What is it like being a tattoo artist in Japan?
AIt’s about spreading traditional Japanese embroidery and designs to the world. I am doing it now and will continue in the future.
Q. How do you view the evolving perception of tattoos in Japan and the influence of increased tourism on its tattoo scene?
AI see acceptance of tattoos is significantly increasing in Japan.
Q. What challenges and opportunities arise with being a tattoo artist in Japan?
A Setting up tattoo shops and paying taxes.
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
(Hiroshi Nishimura)
Q. Can you share the historical significance of tattoos in Japan and how it’s evolved into todays world?
A Called “tebori” (hand carving), traditional Japanese tattoos are processed not with machines but by hand. Tattoos by tebori are much clearer, more colorful and last longer, which, I think, fascinates people overseas and is highly rated in the world. Foreigners often visit tattoo artists in Japan since they want to brag to their friends that they have been as far as to Japan to ink authentic traditional tebori tattoos.
Q. Have you ever tattooed anyone in the Yakuza? What is it like?
A Yes, I have. When it comes to Yakuza, I always visit their home or have them visit my shop. They always want traditional tebori Japanese hand-inking tattoos, and it takes a long time to complete.
Q. Many service members get stationed in Japan, can you share the insights and procedures for them on getting a traditional-style tattoo?
A Traditional Japanese tattoos based off an integrated design theme, regardless if they are done on the back, arms or the whole body. Once we decide on a main design theme – for instance, karajishi (Chinese-style figure of lion) – we still add another design, such as botan (peony) blossoms, around the main theme to make the traditional Karajishibotan (lion and peony) pattern. So, even though each design of the inked tattoo, such as clouds or waves, is beautiful by itself, they work interactively with each other to create a profound meaning of four seasons, a legend or the universe. So, we, tattoo artists, plan and design how such a profound theme looks best in the client’s body before starting to tattoo.
Q. What advice can you give someone who is planning on getting a tattoo in Japan?
A Choose the most experienced tattoo artist as possible. And, I recommend tebori hand-carving rather than machine carving because it can make your tattoos more beautiful.
View Pacific Tattoo
