TAPPEI: Capturing the Current State of Tokyo's Tattoo Culture

I was born and raised in Osaka. My grandfather was an obstetrician, so I was actually born at home. Both my parents were dentists, so I grew up in an environment where medical instruments were always around.

I loved drawing since I was little. When I was in elementary school, I saw traditional Japanese tattoos (irezumi) in a film and was absolutely stunned seeing images drawn on someone's body. I thought, "What is this? It's so cool!" Later, I came across a book introducing various traditional professions and learned about tattoo artists and tattooing. That's when I decided I wanted to become one.

At first, I had no idea how to go about it... So, I decided to experience getting a tattoo myself. On the day I graduated from high school, I went to get my first tattoo—a design I'd created in Photoshop. During that session, I observed what equipment was being used and later ordered a complete set through international shipping. At the time, I didn't even think about becoming someone’s apprentice; I just wanted to try it myself. Or I should say, doing it myself was my only option. After that, I repeatedly practiced by tattooing myself.

Nowadays, you can look up and gather information about equipment, get practice skins, and even learn tattooing techniques online, but back then, that environment didn't exist, so I had to figure everything out myself. As I continued practicing this way, friends started asking me to tattoo them.

At that time, the mainstream tattoo styles in Osaka were traditional Japanese and tribal designs, so my style wasn't really accepted there. I casually thought, "Well then, I'll go to Tokyo." Initially, opportunities to tattoo were scarce even in Tokyo. However, through various encounters and connections, I gradually began to build a client base. Then, during the pandemic in 2020, I established my own studio in Nakameguro.

I started graphic design before tattooing, so I collaborate with fashion brands and exhibit works based on illustrations, using mediums other than human bodies to express my work. Since 2024, I've also been running a private brand called "High Scream Center" with a friend. With this brand, rather than focusing on graphics, we're taking our time creating clothes that I personally would want to wear.

 With Nike, I created Nike Air Force 1s that could get my artwork engraved. With the select shop BEAMS, I transformed my angel characters into plush toys and created a "Tapex" clock with only a second hand. I've done various collaborations, including a particularly memorable one with UNDERCOVER. I want to continue pursuing interesting collaborations that no one else is doing.

Rather than just displaying artwork, I've experimented with different approaches—drawing on cardboard boxes and shipping them directly to buyers or having a client with my tattoos stand inside empty picture frames. I do these things because I want visitors to enjoy themselves and leave with high spirits and happy feelings. My next exhibition is planned for Korea, and I'm exploring ideas since their art perspective differs from Japan's. I want to continue exhibiting abroad in the future.

People often think of tattoos as messages, memories, or having some kind of meaning etched into the body, but my designs are a bit different. While there's nothing wrong with imbuing tattoos with personal significance, my ideal is for people to feel that they possess the artwork on their skin—like buying a piece at an exhibition. For designs, I often get inspiration from everyday life. For example, I might wonder what if a washing machine moved like a living creature, or what would happen if text jumped out of a book—I'm always thinking about how to make ordinary things around me more interesting. The reason I often draw angels as motifs is that they naturally blend with these concepts without feeling out of place. Even if the theme is a bit dark, with angels, it comes across as uniquely charming
Many of my designs come to me as I go about my daily life. For example, I wonder what would happen if a washing machine moved like a living creature, or what would happen if the words of a book popped out of it, or I think about how the things around us can become interesting. I often use angels as motifs because they fit in naturally and without discomfort. I would say that angels look unique, even if they are a bit gruesome.

I work with a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds. Some are long-term clients, while others visit me after seeing my exhibitions. Additionally, I have noticed an increasing proportion of first-time tattoo clients. of first tattoo customers is also increasing.

My official website has a LINE reservation page where I communicate with clients to discuss appointment details and designs. Regarding designs, I accommodate specific requests, but most orders are left to my discretion. I have a collection of designs on my iPad, and clients can choose the ones they like. I prefer not to recreate the same designs; once I tattoo a design, I remove it from my collection.

This is just my subjective view, but I think it's still mostly traditional styles—Japanese irezumi and American traditional tattoos. What I can say for certain is that styles like mine were almost non-existent in the past, but they've gradually increased. I definitely feel that the range of tattoo style options has expanded.

Yes, I feel that people from all kinds of professions are getting tattoos now. Requests from overseas have also increased, especially from Taiwanese people. I'm also comfortable communicating in English, so anybody interested can contact me for inquiries.

Despite my appearance potentially giving a negative impression, Tokyo seems accepting—there are fewer judgmental people here. Had I set up my studio in Osaka, my appearance might have turned darker, and my artistic expression might have taken a different direction. Besides, I probably wouldn't have even thought of collaborating with brands or exhibiting artwork if I were tattooing in Osaka. It might be because of Tokyo that my tattoos and artwork have expanded and flourished.

The charm of Tokyo lies in the fact that you can discover great establishments wherever you go. You’ll find delicious restaurants and trendy clothing stores even in areas outside the urban centers like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Compared to cities abroad, different neighborhoods in Tokyo are relatively close to one another, allowing you to experience a variety of places and scenery without always having to stay in the city center. When you visit Tokyo, be sure to ask different people for their recommendations. I’m confident you'll make plenty of connections and have memorable encounters.