The Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival 2025 brought together some of the most talented tattoo artists in Japan and around the world.

This year, Japan Tattoo participated for the second time — another important step for our growing studio in Shinjuku.

This article covers our experience at the festival, highlights from the event, and a reflection on Japanese “humility” as part of our studio’s philosophy — especially after a meaningful moment for our team and our artist Horiken.

What is the Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival?

One of Japan’s largest tattoo events, the festival showcases:

• Leading artists from Japan, Europe, the US, and Asia

• Live tattooing, painting

• Competitions across multiple categories

• Flash art displays

• Tattoo equipment and art vendors

• A welcoming atmosphere for tattoo enthusiasts and curious newcomers

It’s a rare space in Japan where tattoo art can be enjoyed openly.

 

🖋 Japan Tattoo’s Participation

Our goals at the event were clear:

• Present the versatility of our artists

• Connect with tattoo professionals nationwide

• Learn global trends and techniques

• Strengthen Japan Tattoo’s recognition within the Japanese tattoo community

• Provide a bridge for international travelers curious about Japanese-style tattoos

We showcased artwork ranging from Japanese-inspired pieces to fine line and modern fusion styles.

 

🔥 Highlights from the Festival

1. A Global Exchange of Styles

Traditional Japanese motifs blended with modern tattoo trends: dragons, irezumi-inspired shading, fine line botanicals, geometric patterns, and vibrant color work.

2. Live Tattooing & Technique Sharing

Watching artists tattoo in real-time revealed how much precision and discipline the craft requires.

Our team exchanged knowledge on machines, inks, sterilization workflows, and composition theory.

3. A Positive Space for Tattoo Culture in Japan

Despite lingering cultural restrictions, the festival created a safe, open, and inclusive environment for tattoo lovers — local and international.

 

🏆 Horiken Wins First Place — Small Piece Category

One of the most meaningful moments for our team came when Horiken, one of Japan Tattoo’s artists, received 1st place in the “Small Piece” category.

This award recognizes not only technical skill and clean execution but also compositional clarity, creativity, and precision under time constraints.

For a studio still new to the festival scene, this was a significant achievement — and an emotional one for our entire team.

 

Reflection: What “Humility” Means in Japan

The award naturally made us happy and proud.

But it also reminded us of an important cultural value: 謙虚さ（humility）, deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

In Japan, humility does not mean downplaying one’s abilities.

It means:

• Letting the work speak louder than the ego

• Consistency over self-assertion

• Honoring the craft rather than chasing attention

• Respecting others in the community

• Continuing to learn, even after recognition

Horiken’s response to receiving the award reflected this exact mindset — modest, calm, and focused on improving further rather than celebrating loudly.

This attitude is something the Japan Tattoo team believes is essential in an industry that values both individuality and discipline.

 

🌱 Moving Forward: Japan Tattoo’s Commitment

This festival taught us many things, but above all:

Recognition is a milestone, not a finish line.

We choose to grow with humility, focus, and respect for the craft.

For our clients — both local and international — this means we will continue offering:

• High-level technical skill

• Professional hygiene and safety

• Clear English communication

• Cultural literacy in Japanese designs

• A sincere attitude toward every tattoo we create

Our goal is not to be loud.

Our goal is to be consistent, trustworthy, and artistically disciplined.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and considering a tattoo — whether a simple flash or a culturally meaningful design —

Consultations in English are available. Walk-ins welcome.

👉 Book here