Big Ten Questions with Takahiro Kitamura

By Mary Gardner

Horitaka with Jack Rudy

Horitaka, born Takihiro Kitamura and called simply “Taki” by his friends, is perhaps best known for his ten-year relationship with his mentor, Horiyoshi III. Born in Japan and raised in the United States, Taki’s father, a prominent civil engineer in Japan and Taki’s first real mentor, lost his life to cancer this past year, presenting Taki with the added familial responsibilities of an eldest son. “Losing my father made 2009 the hardest year of my life,” reveals Taki. Considering all that is happening in his life, interviewing Horitaka on his thirty-sixth birthday proved to be both enlightening and challenging. In February 2009, Taki’s shop, State of Grace set up a new and improved location with a full three-thousand-square-foot shop in San Jose, California’s Japan Town. Happily, State of Grace has been welcomed into this small tight-knit community and hopes to continue building strong community relations with its neighbors.

Taki tattin'

After serving as apprentice to Paco Excel at New Skool Tattoo in 1996—’97, Taki began tattooing in January 1998 in San Jose. “Paco taught me everything about being an apprentice,” says Taki, “then I went to Japan and had my back done by Horioshi III (Yoshihito Nakano). He then asked me if I wanted to draw with him.” This began their momentous working relationship in both Japan and America. In keeping with his unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural history and tradition of Japanese tattooing, Taki adds that, “Due to State of Grace’s sponsorship, another great Japanese tattoo artist, Horitomo, was granted a special visa, signifying ‘a Person of Extraordinary Talent,’ in 2006.”

Another big change in Taki’s life came when, after ten years of operating within a master/student relationship, Horitaka and Horiyoshi III found their goals had changed and parted company. “I wasn’t able to stay his apprentice, but I remain grateful for every part of our relationship,” emphasizes Taki. “He really pushed me to publish books—fifteen to eighteen―over the last ten years. He brought out the best in me.” And Taki is quick to add, “For the record, regardless of what happened between Horiyoshi III and myself on a personal level, Horiyoshi was, is and will forever be the greatest Japanese tattoo artist.” Very clearly, Taki feels that, when respect supersedes ego, tattooing, with its rich traditional legacies, must remain the center focus.

Humble and confident in his approach to excellence, Horitaka is quick to credit fellow tattoo industry greats such as Don Ed Hardy, Bob Roberts, Horitomo, Trevor McStay, Freddy Corbin and Vince Hemingson, along with his co-workers who continue to “blow him away with their talent.” With the release of three new books in 2009 (Shige enjoyed sales of a thousand copies in the first two months) and two new book releases featuring Bob Roberts and Chris Treviño coming in 2010, Taki makes it a point to add that he really enjoys tattooing, even if he has had to limit his tattoo schedule to seven to ten days a month.

According to Taki, fewer than ten U.S. tattoo shows are put on by tattoo artists. He fears that non-juried applicants who sign up online, along with promoters who measure their success by the size of the gate only serve to destroy the tattoo industry. In keeping with his mission statement to promote and preserve traditional Japanese tattooing, State of Grace Productions has presented a Convention of the Tattoo Arts in San Jose, California for the last five years. Put on with partner Roman Rodriguez, the show has one hundred and twenty booths with just ten percent vendors. Just like everything in Taki’s career, success is measured in quality and moderation.

1. If you weren’t a tattoo artist, what would you be? A writer.

2. Who do you most admire? My father.

3. What is your favorite word? Grace.

4. What is your least favorite word? Failure.

5. What is your greatest regret? Spending time unwisely.

6. What music do you listen to when you work? Punk rock or classic country-western and bluegrass.

7. What is your favorite part of tattooing? The look on the client’s face when I’ve gotten it right! It’s very rewarding when they really love the tattoo.

8. What is your favorite food? Steak.

9. What phrase do you use too much? “It is what it is.”

10. What piece of advice would you give a newcomer to the tattoo biz? Get tattooed.