Haga San at Rockstock Tattoo - Sapporo

An Interview with Haga-san, a Sapporo Tattoo Artist

In a revealing interview, Haga-san, a seasoned tattoo artist from Sapporo, shared his unique journey in the world of tattooing. He began this path as a side job, drawing inspiration and techniques from a yakuza tattoo artist. Predominantly self-taught, his approach to tattoo artistry is akin to a live performance, often crafting spontaneous designs during sessions.

With two decades in the industry, Haga-san has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Japanese tattooing. He notes a significant shift towards openness and diversity, a stark contrast to the industry's earlier days. This change reflects a broader acceptance and appreciation of tattoo art in Japanese culture.

An interesting aspect of Haga-san's insight is the regional differences in tattoo popularity within Japan. According to him, Hokkaido, unlike urban centers like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa, has fewer tattoo enthusiasts. This difference highlights the diverse cultural attitudes towards tattoos across Japan.

Haga-san's interview offers a deep dive into the dynamic and evolving world of Japanese tattoo artistry, blending traditional influences with modern creativity and openness.

The interview with Haga-san covers several points:

1. His entry into tattooing as a side job.

2. Learning by observing a tattoo artist.

3. Developing skills largely through self-teaching.

4. His approach to tattooing as a live performance.

5. Creating designs spontaneously during sessions.

6. Reflection on 20 years in the tattoo industry.

7. Observations on the evolution, openness, and diversity of the Japanese tattoo scene.

8. Discussion on regional differences in tattoo popularity in Japan.

9. Comparing tattoo users in Hokkaido with those in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa.