Looking for the best Japanese tattoo artist? Well, check out this list of top tattoo artists and tattoo studios in Japan. Read further to know more about it.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese tattoos with our guide to the best Japanese tattoo artists and their renowned shops.
Explore the world of traditional and contemporary designs, each bearing the masterful touch of skilled artisans.
Uncover the epitome of craftsmanship and creativity as we showcase the top tattoo artists and their exceptional studios across Japan.
Page Contents
Which is the best Japanese tattoo artist?
Choschu Horikazu is the best Japanese tattoo artist who first drawn to tattoos when he saw a tattoo magazine featuring the work of Horiyoshi III. Horiyoshi III is somewhat of a Japanese tattoo guru. Chosh drew inspiration from these kinds of magazines for his drawings. He doesn’t come from a tattooing family nor does he have experience as an apprentice.
Best Japanese Tattoo Artist: Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Tattoo Artist | Art Style Best Known For | Studio Name |
| Choshu Horikazu | Traditional Japanese tattooTebori style tattoos | Choshu Horikazu |
| Asao | Blend of traditional and modern art stylesTribal Japanese aestheticBalck and grey work | Studio Muscat |
| Eiji Fujisawa | Traditional tattoos with a modern twist | Studio Muscat |
| Kohki | Traditional Japanese art | RIN- KG Tattoo Studio |
| Mutsuo | Traditional Japanese tattoos with a modern touch | Three Tides Tattoo Studio |
| Yuya | Sumi (charcoal) tattoosTebori style tattoos | Iked Cat Tattoo Studio |
| Hori Kashi | Tebori style tattoos | Hori Kashi |
| Ron Sugano | Sai Ten tattoo style | Tattoo Studio Shiryudoh |
Best Japanese Tattoo Artist
Choshu Horikazu Tattoo Studio
Art styles: Traditional Japanese tattoo, Tebori style tattoos
Studio name: Choshu Horikazu
Address: Maeda Building 2nd Floor, 3-15-11 Nijigahama, Hikari-shi, Yamaguchi
Choschu Horikazu was first drawn to tattoos when he saw a tattoo magazine featuring the work of Horiyoshi III. Horiyoshi III is somewhat of a Japanese tattoo guru. The title ‘Horiyoshi’ has been derived from ‘hori’ which means to engrave or carve. He’s the best Japanese tattoo artist in Japan.
Chosh drew inspiration from these kinds of magazines for his drawings. He doesn’t come from a tattooing family nor does he have experience as an apprentice.
However, he has used his experiences to create a nice foundation for himself. He continues to study and practice everyday to improve his skill.
As a tattoo artist, he is influenced by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a Ukiyoe artist, and Horiyoshi III. His main art style is Japanese traditional tattoos using the traditional hand tapping method of tebori.
You can check out his instagram here.
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Asao
Art styles: Blend of traditional and modern art styles, tribal Japanese aesthetic, balck and grey work
Studio name: Studio Muscat
Address: Japan, 〒150-0032 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Uguisudanicho, 6−6 グリーンハイツ鶯谷3F
Asao founded Studio Muscat in 2001. She was part of the fashion industry and worked as a pattern maker before she began tattooing.
She is known among her clients as a super friendly and down to earth tattoo artist. Her clients often leave reviews of her fantastic work and non threatening nature.
In a country like Japan, where tattoos are still taboo, finding women tattoo artists can be a rare occurrence. Since many female tattoo enthusiasts prefer a female tattoo artist, having individuals like Asao venture into the tattoo industry is a blessing.
Asao is known for using Japanese aesthetics in her tattoos and is inspired by various forms of Japanese art like wood block printing. Asao is the best Japanese tattoo artist of Muscat Studio.
You can check out more of her art on the studio’s Instagram page.
Eiji Fujisawa
Art styles: Traditional tattoos with a modern twist
Studio name: Studio Muscat
Address: Japan, 〒150-0032 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Uguisudanicho, 6−6 グリーンハイツ鶯谷3F
Eiji Fujisawa began his tattooing career in 2007. He is one of the most popular tattoo artists in Tokyo and is currently working at Studio Muscat in Shibuya.
He is best known for putting his own modern twist on traditional Japanese tattoos. His use of charcoal style shading and delicate line work is truly captivating.
Some of Eiji’s best designs are of koi fish, dragons, hannya masks, cherry blossoms, and tigers. Eiji is the best Japanese tattoo artist for charcoal shading.
You can find more of Eiji’s work on Instagram.
Kohki
Art styles: Traditional Japanese art
Studio name: Rin- kg Tattoo Studio
Address: 5-8 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Kohki is a tattoo artist from Tokyo, Japan. He has more than 15 years of experience in the tattoo industry and has won many awards for his work. Kohki is the best Japanese tattoo artist in the traditional category.
His tattoo studio, Rin-kg, is one of the most popular studios in Tokyo. He is famous for doing tattoos that portray traditional Japanese art. You can have a look at some of his finest work on the studio website.
Mutsuo
Art styles: Traditional Japanese tattoos with a modern touch
Studio name: Three Tides Tattoo Studio
Address: 1 Chome-8-5 Minamihorie, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka 550-0015, Japan
Mutsuo got what some would call a “90s style tattoo education”. He went from being a customer at Three Tides Tattoo Studio to being the studio’s first apprentice. He is now a senior tattoo artist at the studio.
He learned his skill from expert American tattoo artists who visited the studio.
Mutsuo captures Japanese art in his own unique style through his tattoos and is considered as one of the best Japanese tattoo artist.
Mutsuo’s tattoos and designs can be found on his Instagram.
Yuya
Art styles: Sumi (charcoal) tattoos, Tebori style tattoos
Studio Name: Inked Cat Tattoo Studio
Address: 2 Chome-34-6 Nozawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0003, Japan
Tebori artist is a better title for Yuya Matoba. Yuya has been professionally trained and works out of his studio in central Tokyo.
If you want a traditional Japanese tattoo experience, Inked Cat is the place to be. He believes that the body is a canvas and uses Tebori to customize it.
So what sets him apart? He uses charcoal instead of ink for his backgrounds and outline. Yuya is definitely the best Japanese tattoo artist of all times.
Some of his best work features backgrounds with clouds, water, and rocks. His work also features floral aspects, animals, and characters from Japanese folklore.
Hori Kashi
Art style: Tebori style tattoos
Studio name: Hori Kashi
Address: 970-97 Soharamikakinocho, Kakamigahara, Gifu 504-0904, Japan
Hori Kashi is another Tebori artist in Japan. He has been in the tattoo industry for almost 2 decades now. He has also been featured in many tattoo magazines.
Kori Kashi uses the traditional hand poking method of Tebori to create his masterpieces. He uses a tattoo machine as well as Tebori tools while tattooing.
What’s unique about his tattooing style is that he often paints his designs instead of sketching them.
Check out his art and tattoo designs on Instagram.
Ron Sugano
Art style: Sai Ten
Studio name: Tattoo Studio ShiRyudoh
Address: 1 Chome-44-14 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052, Japan
Ron Sugano discovered the world of tattooing on his Asian adventure after graduating from university. He saw the tattoo culture in various parts of Asia before experiencing it in other parts of the world.
When he started his career as a tattoo artist, he wanted to retain the Japanese culture. This is why he chose to open his studio in Shibamata. This is one of the only places where old fashioned Tokyo exists.
The tattoo style that Ron works on is called Sai Ten. He works with delicate lines and doesn’t prefer working with full body tattoos.
Check out his work Instagram.
Best Japanese Tattoo Artist: FAQs
What are some popular Japanese tattoo designs?
Some of the most popular Japanese designs are found in some form of Japanese tradition and folklore. Popular design choices include dragons, geishas, samurais, koi, kabuki masks, and tigers.
Is it disrespectful to have a tattoo in Japan?
Tattoos were banned in Japan until 1948. While getting tattooed became legal again, it was still looked down upon. Tattoos are often connected to the Yakuza. Many places in Japan like some bathing houses, pools, and hot springs ban anyone with tattoos from entering. It is advised that locals and tourists cover up their tattoos wherever possible.
What is the legal age to get a tattoo in Japan?
In Japan the nationwide legal age is 20. It is punishable by law if anyone under the age of 20 gets a tattoo. It is also illegal to force a minor to get tattooed.
What is the difference between Western tattoos and Japanese tattoos?
The main difference between Western tattoos and Japanese tattoos are the designs. Japanese designs are called wabori and western designs are called youbori.
