Today was the “King of Tattoo Live 2009 Event”, an annual hard core tattoo / punk rock event that is organized by Tokyo Hard Core Tattoo. This year’s event in Shin Okubo (Korean Town) started at 3PM and by 4:30 the place was packed.
Tattoo artists Akilla a.k.a. Horiyamato from Tattoo Soul, Shin-san from Tokyo Hard Core Tattoo and Tim Kern from Tribulation Tattoo of New York City enjoy a smoke outside just before getting started.
A lot of people were watching as some people, including myself, were getting tattooed. The artists also had some of their artwork and portfolios on display so visitors could check it out.
Tim Kern and I chat while Akila is tattooing me. It was my first time being tattooed at a show in front of people and it was a little weird at first.
Close up of traditional Japanese tattoo or “tebori” being done on my left arm.
I’m rocking the Kimbo Slice haircut and tipping my hat to Horiyamato who is wearing traditional Japanese attire complete with sandals. He represents the Horitoshi family and, event or no event, they are serious about their tattooing.
In the other room the punk rock bands were jamming out. I’m not familiar with the punk scene in Tokyo but they were playing some cover songs that I recognized and enjoyed.
There were lots of girls at the event and there were a couple cute ones up on stage performing. It was hard to get to the front of the crowd and I wasn’t in the mood to get mosh-pitted so I hung back and used the zoom instead.
One of the girls was wearing bandages over her eye. I don’t believe she was covering real wounds. For some odd reason wearing bandages and eye patches has become a fashion statement lately. Whatever floats your boat.
Here’s one of the punk bands – there were a bunch of bands and I wasn’t able to make out who was who. My apologies.
After the show my friends and I went to a Korean restaurant and had some delicious food. Former MMA fighter Kengo Watanabe and Krazy Bee fighter Kotetsu Boku, the “Korean Tiger” are pictured here. Boku-san has a fight coming up next month and he’s been training hard. Good luck my man!
These eggs with green onions and peppers were mmm mmm good.
I totally went to that restaurant in Shin-Okubo! It’s the one with like Korean graffitis all over the walls right!?
Oh and BTW, im french (well half japanese too) and i’m kinda new in town so i’m really enjoying your blog, thanks a lot for all the tips!!
I’m thinking about getting inked here in Tokyo, and I’d like to know which tattoo artist would you recommend me for an american-colorful style of tattoo?
Thanks for reading the blog. I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
I think there was graffiti on the walls in that restaurant if I’m not mistaken. It’s kind of a blur to be honest though.
Regarding a good tattoo artist for colorful, American style tattoos… that’s tough. What kind do you want? Traditional, pin-up?
There’s a guy coming to Tokyo soon who does amazing traditional Mexican tats. Check out his pics on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/241116192
Wow you replied fast! thanks!
Actually it’s more of a realistic effect, but with vivid colours that i want.
Here it is (i know it’s small but i’m planning to re-draw it myself anyways) : http://yfrog.com/11jimmystattooslargemsg11j
Basically it’s a skull with wings, surrounded by a blue haze/halo. What i’m searching the most is this 3d-almost real effect made by the real good on shadows and depth… I know it’s a difficult request but it’ll be on my skin forever so…!
Wow! King Of Tattoos looks an awesome event! Hoping to go to the next one, but have heard Earthdom is really difficult to find???
How the hell do you get there from Shin Okubo station???