Horishin, In love with his own Traditional Japanese… and with Italy too!

He works at the ‘ Manji Club Tattoo Studio’ in Tokyo and will be attending the ‘Caserta Tattoo Convention’ this spring. We take you inside his art with this interview.

Hi Horishin, can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Horishin, and I work in Sangenjaya, Tokyo (IG: @manji_club_tattoo_studio). It has been about 18 years since I first started drawing, inspired by my admiration for tattoo artists. However, I do not remember exactly when I began tattooing. Because I am self-taught and it started as an extension of a hobby, I cannot say exactly how many years it has been. What first drew me in was my fascination with the underground scene.

Do you find yours a NewTrad style mainly linked to Oriental and Japanese subjects or do you have a better definition to describe it?
From the beginning, I studied only Traditional Japanese tattooing. So I chose to pursue work in Traditional Japanese styles, drawing inspiration from ukiyo-e and other sources. That said, lately I also accept requests that seem interesting – provided the design allows me to express my own individuality.

Who was the best tattoo artist you’ve ever met?
Without question, the greatest artist in my life is Horihiro-sensei (IG: @horihiro_tebori). He is also the owner of the studio (IG: @manji_club_tattoo_studio) where I work, and he is the most charismatic person I know, with truly one-of-a-kind individuality and technique. In Japan, people do not typically teach by putting everything into words; instead, you learn by observing the work of those who excel.

Can you describe your workplace, the ‘Manji Club Tattoo Studio’ in Tokyo?
“Manji” (IG: @manji_club_tattoo_studio) refers to a Buddhist symbol which represents auspiciousness and good fortune. The symbol is also included in the art name that Katsushika Hokusai (IG: @k.hokusai) – Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e artist – used toward the end of his life, making it a very special sign for Japanese people.

That is why we chose this ‘Manji’ symbol, so emblematic of Japan, as the name of our studio.

Do you have a goal you’ll be working toward throughout 2026, confident you’ll achieve it within twelve months? I’m talking about both tattoo art and other areas of life…
In 2026, I would like to study Italian properly. At the moment I am extremely busy, and I have not been able to set aside enough time to study.

I saw on your Instagram that you’ll be in Italy in April 2026, at the ‘Caserta Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @caserta.tattoo.convention). Does visiting Italy and getting tattoos in Italy give you any special emotions?
The last time I visited Italy was my first time there, when I had the opportunity to participate in the ‘Como Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @como_tattoo_convention). I did not visit major tourist destinations; instead, I stayed within a community of local people. I was truly moved by the warmth and kindness of Italians. Italy is my favorite country, and the joy of being able to tattoo there is a happiness beyond words.

And your last famous words are… ?
As for a phrase or motto that I hold dear – I have never really thought about that. Next time I go to Italy, I will ask Italians to teach me a proverb!

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