HORIMOMO is a talented tattoo artist based in a fascinating neighborhood near Shibuya. He operates from a secret location, which unfortunately deprived me of the natural light I usually work with. Nonetheless, his work is nothing short of amazing and worth checking out. You can find his incredible creations on Instagram at @horimomo.

Japanese traditional tattoos, also known as Irezumi, are a form of body art that originated in Japan and are rich in symbolism . The designs usually involve several different themes, which may be inspired by folklore or tradition, with common imagery including koi fish, dragons, geishas, and flowers . The style is distinct and identifiable by the vibrant colors and interesting, meaningful subject matter .

The process of getting a traditional Japanese tattoo is painful and time-consuming. It is practiced by a limited number of specialists known as horishi . The pain associated with tattooing should be most intense during the procedure itself. Once the procedure is complete, the person may feel bruising and soreness on the affected area from swelling. Swelling can last up to a week.