FEATURE ARTICLE
Skin & Ink VISITS
THE YOKOHAMA TATTOO MUSEUM
By Horitaka
It was with great anticipation that I visited Horiyoshi III's newly founded Yokohama Tattoo Museum in September of 1999. I had heard about the project about a year previous, when it was still in the theoretical stage. But, knowing the diligence of Horiyoshi III, I was certain that it would become a reality. I remember my last trip, transporting donations from Jaun Puente, Pinky Yun and Don Ed Hardy, musing about the ramifications of losing that particular suitcase. I was curious to see what a 30-year career as Japan's premier tattoo artist would yield in terms of tattoo collectibles. Needless to say, I was pleasantly impressed by the historical wealth of the collection.
Horiyoshi III has an international presence in tattooing matched only by the likes of Hanky Panky and Don Ed Hardy. This is reflected in the museum. While Japanese tattooing is featured throughout the museum, the collection is extremely well-rounded. I saw instruments of all kinds, including a cornucopia of machine varieties and many interesting hand tools. It comes as no surprise that Horiyoshi III, who still implements hand shading as part of his everyday work, would have a great collection of hand tools. A whole case of Japanese style tools including some from his master, Horiyoshi I, as well as tools from the Pacific Islands and Thailand showcase the broad cultural legacy of tattooing on a global scale.
I must say that the only way to really view the two floors of artifacts would be to take the trip yourself. I, myself, watched with keen interest as Hanky Panky walked through. After all, his collection in Amsterdam is known the world over, as are his contributions toward preserving and celebrating tattoo history. As Henk entered, I observed this seasoned collector in action. As expected, he glossed over certain displays, but would gesture frantically for a translator when spotting items he either had not acquired or had not seen before. Like a pro, he made a beeline for the rarest items, even joking with Permanent Mark about "breaking the glass case and making a run for it." In the end, as he and Horiyoshi III promised to continue their ongoing trades, Henk proclaimed that the collection was "excellent" and expressed his congratulations and hopes for the future.
As part of the first-ever tattoo convention in Tokyo, Japan [Skin & Ink, March 2000], Permanent Mark organized two tour groups to ensure that the 70 or so tattoo artists would not miss this amazing landmark. Many young Japanese tattooers were present as well, demonstrating support and interest from the younger generation. In was a memorable event. The sight of 30 gaijin tattooers walking down the streets of Yokohama will not be forgotten by the neighborhood. As part of his welcome, Horiyoshi III presented his foreign guests with a commemorative museum teacup, and had them sign their names on a decorative skull, a unique item inevitably headed for the collection.
Above the museum is Horiyoshi III's new studio, Studio III. He always expressed a desire to host guest artists from around the world, and often lamented the lack of space in his traditional studio. The new studio solves these problems. Efficient and clean, it reflects Horiyoshi III's own blending of traditional and modern methods. Currently, Horimei of the Horihito Family is the shop artist. Horihito's tattoo family, connected to Horiyoshi III by Horihito's membership in the Horiyoshi III Ichi-Mon, has been instrumental in the opening of the museum, time off from the busy schedules to help set up. They have graciously offered their ongoing support.
Horiyoshi III, world-renowned for his tattoo work, the publication of his 11 Demons collection, and hailed as an ambassador of Japanese tattooing, is the embodiment of the true tattoo spirit. While many in this day and age may harbor questionable motives, his are pure. With the opening of the museum, Horiyoshi III is able to share his private collection with tattoo collectors, artists and fans from around the world. I was pleased to note that others who came showed the same universal love and, in the interest of preserving history, have promised items from their personal collections. Bob Baxter asked that I request donations as part of this article and, showing his own true colors, offered to start this round of donations by providing interview tapes from the Skin & Ink collection. This is what tattooing is about; not money or fame, but a love for tattooing and its history.
Inquires and donations should be sent to:
Tattoo Museum
Imai Building 1-11-7
Hiranuma Nishi-Ku
Yokohama-shi
Kanagawa 222-0023, Japan