Japanese is probably the most rule-bound tattoo style there is. Dragon, koi, cherry blossom, wave — every motif carries meaning, and there are grown rules about which belong together, which way they flow and how they run across the body. A good Japanese tattoo is therefore rarely a single motif, but a composition that thinks with the body.
Honestly: no permanent team member covers this style at our studio in Hamburg — it comes in through our guest artists. Right now that's Alina. Because guest slots are limited, asking early pays off; we'll tell you honestly when someone is here who really does this.
We tattoo in Hamburg-Borgfelde, a few minutes from the main station.
Think in areas, not motifs. Japanese unfolds across an arm, back or leg as a whole. A single small koi with no surroundings gives away half the style.
Plan for several sessions. Large compositions don't happen in a day. If you know that from the start, it's not a problem — it's part of the deal.
Ask about dates early. Since this style runs through guest artists here, timing depends on who's in the studio when. Write to us and we'll get back to you when it fits.