Doing what you need to do…
Back again with a meaningless meaningful blog entry about my trip to UAE and Japan this year. However I could be proud that these lines are written solely without using intelligent companions.
Often presuming that most tattooers are busy with letting the world know whats up, by posting useless pictures of their work, hoping for that one spoiled fish to bite on good ends, appears to be boring for most. At long last the general public has left the everyday entertainment sector of tattooing and obviously prefers and switched over to watch babes on skateboards, people hurting themselves and other messed up stuff.
So my idea was to inform those seeking solutions or enlightenment for their upcoming journeys to Japan or the Emirates. Those seeking Japanese tattoo in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Nagoya.
Not that it is in any form better, but maybe the one or other part of this entry can be useful. Of course those who know me can always get in touch for details.
Once again, just saying that I don’t load up videos, rather just keep it basic with pictures. So unfortunately you going to need to read…
So lets get going here…
UAE and 3 City break away in Japan.
The year 2024 kept me active with administrative work and felt like flew by with light speed. Its seems that being self employed has a few more downfalls that last year. So with all those parameters in mind, I decided visit my loved ones only once this year. I will however keep it up at all costs to do my best to return as soon as possible.
Due to cancer, the loss of a dear client still keeps me pensive and constantly thinking about how to reach the valuable balance of life. What’s important and what not? Time is the key! So including that decision, and that I have precious people who want to see me, I thought to book my flight.
I really didn’t do any planning this time and took it by fate. I have a number of people I would love to see, but can’t due to the short span of time I have to break away.
Choice of airline.
So the booking flights three days before departure really sped things up for sure! I took the privilege to book over the main page of “Emirates Airlines” and found out that in the end it may not be cheaper but definitely better for departure and arrival times, but moreover the weight allowance was much higher!!!
I had heard about the airline belonging amongst the best, but could unfortunately not feel that. Maybe overall it’s the majority of guests that sense that it’s great and that makes it to what it is. Don’t get me wrong, I will fly with Emirates again if it takes be back to Abu Dhabi. Totally dependent on the flight route, is always key decision for the choice of airline.
After all, my contact in Abu Dhabi was keen to see me, so I thought to combine it with my doings in Japan.
Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, Ofuna and Toyohashi as always on my list.
United Arabian Emirates.
Into culture and never been to this part of the map, it was my turn to drift along the path of life to adventure the Emirates.
I had a few questions to myself regarding the statements I had heard about tattooing in Arabia. Do they have tattoo studios there. Is it a modern country in a western sense? Dubai Tattoo, Abu Dhabi tattoo? Yes? No? Good ? Bad? Even more…Japanese tattoo in Abu Dhabi? In the end it stays to say I did not see a single person with a tattoo at all, leaving it up to our imagination what’s all hidden under all the clothing.
I had heard numerous rumours, about chopped off hands for breaking the law in these so far away mystical countries.
So actively taking part in this adventure, would actively mark a bigger competition for anyone out there because it maybe had never been done before. This was what made it attractive to me. Working on a two hour tattoo is one thing, trying to do it with all its tasks for a week is something else.
I had taken part in numerous conventions around on the map for ages, but don’t participate anymore. It just lost its magic for me.
Doing this in the Emirates. Not sure if it’s really forbidden. Being under the radar is what made it interesting. Something new, a challenge. Sensei always said it was about challenges and going new ways. So of course as second generation I wish to continue with Sensei’s legacy.
Keep it real. Alive, exciting and special!
What your drive in Life?
I suppose everyone has something that’s interesting for him. Sensei was known for being a rock and roll motor bike guy! He was a great musician and somewhere along the line he met the Stray Cats while they were on tour in Tokyo. They got on well with each other and it ended that one of them got a tattoo from Horikoi!
5 days Abu Dhabi straight! So I landed in Dubai and before I knew it we were on our way to the countries main city. I stayed in a 80’s style Hotel with pool, which was only to be seen once. Proudly boasting a telephone on each toilet, making business perfect. A little stricter than Dubai but really, a beautiful way the people have with each other.
I got to witness a multitude of cultures and mentalities from far and near, celebrating an all inclusive tolerance toward each other.
Scheich-Zayid-Mosque.
In the following days we visited a bunch of different places including the Scheich-Zayid-Mosque. Open since 2007 and holding 40.000 seats and the largest hand knotted carpet of our world. Superficially, from a distance it has the effect that the mosque is painted white. The thought arises, how to keep it that way, seens to sandstorms, withering and so on. The answer being the mosque covered in marble, which came from the same quarry in Macedonia. You only come to realize when you are in front of it…
The architectual features of the Sheikh-Zayid-Mosque has been inspired by a number of sources including Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque in Alexandria and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan; and other references of Persian, Mughal, and Indo-Islamic architecture.
P.s. I’m deeply impressed on how things work in AD I like it a lot and don’t be afraid to take a taxi whilst travelling between points of interest!
Caught between delicious bread and tea and road cats.
How could one be luckier as a fan of tea. Knowing that tea denotes hospitality and business etiquette in Arab culture. Truly an essential part of the regional way of life which of course found practice in this amazing house of activity!
Over 300 different cookies and types of bread.
Mesopotamia was indeed the cradle of cookies.
So starring personally made cookies, cakes and pastries variously enriched with clarified butter, dairy, beer, sweeteners, nuts, and dried fruits, just for us by a friend.
Delicious is köstlich.
So between tea and cake, I built up station and started off my day.
For those asking and craving to know about travel love affairs, obviously you heard about me always having a packet or two of cat food on pocket. Immer ein Tütchen Whiskas auf Tasche!
I am a road cat guy! Always feeding those cats out there. If you read this, please start participating in this sport!
Thus getting back to the hotel late at night, I would always take an extra walk around the hood seeking my buddies with fur.
Regularly I find myself falling in love and wishing I could take them home.
Bubble tea near Burj Khalifa.
Matter of fact we got to Dubai close to midnight. I enjoyed my first Bubble tea ever near Burj Khalifa and my host took me for the best burger in the city.
Highest building in this world 2024. It almost didn’t feel real. A proper real surreal surrounding, especially at night. Nonetheless, it stays a fun memory.
Checked into the recommended airport hotel to fly out early. Slept an hour. Took the shuttle at 4:30 and off to Japan!
Another five days straight! Thank you for your dedication and perseverance. My deepest gratitude to my host for a great time.
After spending time in the UAE, conclude for myself, that it was impossible for me to find good solid Japanese tattoo in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
So for this reason, I hope to get back asap.
Tokyo/Japan, Narita or Haneda?
One thing that everybody should know when travelling to Tokyo/Japan is where to fly to. So take it from me. Haneda is not the best option when traveling in really late. Make sure you don’t come to Japan after 9:30 PM. If you do that, you’re going to run a risk because of long cues in front of customs. Your delay is going to result in the Wi-Fi counter, closing in front of you (E-sim for me next time). Worst of all you might not be able to take the last subway in the underground. It’s gonna leave you with a beautiful taxi ride to your destination.
I usually fly into Narita airport. I think it’s the better one although it’s a little bit more out. But there’s a bunch of stuff to do on the way so for me I want to arrive in Japan first. Especially if you fly in in the morning, you’re going to be able to do a lot of stuff all day before checking into the hotel anyway. Like for example toy shopping in Ueno. Yamashiroya is the place for modern day toys. Make sure to take the lift all the way up and walk down floor by floor…
Asakusa Tokyo.
When I stay in Tokyo, I’m always in Asakusa no matter what. It’s off the busy city limits and quite laid-back. The whole Taito-Ku is basically low buildings and the home of craftsman. For tattooers, it’s your best bet, to stay there because you’re going to pass a lot of imagery which will become your possible future reference.
Anyway, that’s the hood where most people I know live. So I don’t want to get caught up in late night taxi rides, and rather spend my hard earned the bar. I love getting lost and mostly end up, walking down the Sumida river in the night.
Ofuna Kannon.
Since Ofuna Kannon Bosatzu is my patron saint, I look towards visiting those shrines that comemorate her countenance.
When you’re travelling between Yokohama and Kamakura, just get out in Ofuna. Go towards the mountain and the rest is self-explanatory. One thing that I want to pass along is that when you go, please sit in front of her for a while. And when you’re finished, then head along around the back. You will find a room in her heart. Which means you have to go up a few stairs to get inside. It’s for special prayer. Remember don’t talk too much on these kind of premises. If talking then softly. Especially don’t show your tattoos at all! No one wants to see your douche bag, Gaijin tattoo.
Ofuna Kannon shrine does have a few surprises and is an extremely underestimated place in Japan.
Shurakuen Amida Nyorai and Osu Kannon
Shurakuen Amida Nyorai outside Nagoya city limits! It’s a bit of a tricky one. For those of you who are really frequent with trains or up for possible mistakes go for it. This is the biggest outdoor sighting Buddha in Japan. It’s even bigger than the Amida in Karakuma. There is no lime light and when you’re on the top of the mountain, you’re going to be alone with Buddha. He will be listening to you. Standing straight knee and looking up will show you how small you are. Mixed up with magical moments I had a long talk to those who I’ve been wanting to speak to for a long time. Obviously we speak every day. But at places like this, the energy is even higher.
Recommended and worth a pass is the Osu Kannon Shrine. Very vibrant and interesting, cultural property in Osu suburb. I specifically went to pray for loved ones at this shrine as seventh carp generation has his studio nearby.
Osu has a paper lantern with a dragon on the bottom. Similar to the one that you can see in Asakusa.
So make it happen!
Just a tip: I always think it’s a good idea to take incense sticks from the shrines not just for praying but also for back at home. The smoke and smell will take your home and house.
Nagoya Shodai Horifune
It always takes me a few days to get rid of my jet lag. But when I start leaving Tokyo and head out for the countryside, things start getting serious. I start realizing that I’m getting nearer to the hometown of my teacher.
Just for clarification, obviously it’s my obligation and duty occasionally to go and visit some of Toyohashi Shodai Horikoi’s friends.
The carving ship from Japan certainly one of the most hard-working tattooers I have ever met. He always takes his time to see me and to do something to commemorate a memory.
So I enjoyed our trip into the mountains of Tajimi before we got back in the afternoon and he started working again. The shrine we visited has a big koi pond in the back of the premises. usually this would indicate significant fonds from persons buried at this site.
Thank you for your hard work!
I sincerely anticipate to see you again as soon as possible.
Toyohashi Tokaido Road
It stays a privilege to meet my mother and brother in Japan. Toyohashi is always the highlight of the trip. Every time I’m there something beautiful is organized to do together. So topping up the memory basket again, helps me reassure myself I am doing the right thing! Keeping it up! The right way!
Surprisingly, it’s always exciting to be around the family. Also, the extended family. All the other brothers. I’m always really happy to meet all of you. Thank you very much for your kindness. Next time I hope to meet a few more of you. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t see you all this time.
I had arrived in Toyohashi on Saturday morning and had not thought about the agenda of what we were going to do. I thought about taking a few pictures for the book that I’m working on. Yip you’re reading correctly. I suppose now everyone’s wide awake. I’m working on a book about Sensei and his life. I started doing this in the beginning of 2023. So I’ve been on the ball with creating the book for some time.
So for this endeavor, I imagined to get comfortable and take some more pictures. Mom came from her shift and let me know that we’re going to go for a night drive. I was actually already tired as I had been up all day but something special was to be seen. Countless times I’ve been to Toyohashi and every time something special has been arranged for me. This time we drove about 150 km to the Matsudaira Shrine.
Matsudaira Shrine
A Shinto shrine dedicated to great members of the Matsudaira clan. The shrine was originally a Hachiman (god of war) shrine located on the grounds of a Matsudaira clan estate. Please read more about it and visit the other links that I have included on the bottom of this entry.
The shrine and grounds have been beautifully lit up for night walks. All trees reflecting in the bright red light matching the red foliage of Autum.
The following days I played it like a night owl. Just time for studying I was looking at a number of sketches that Shodai Horikoi had done somewhere in the beginning of the 80s. Some stuff from the 90s. It’s pretty amazing when you can see the development of a person. So of course you will be able to see this in the book we are working on.
Eating eel in Toyohashi at Maruyo is the biggest treat a Japan traveller can have. please make sure to be relaxed and in no hurry. Don’t spoil it for yourself. Please stop in Toyohashi for a night and witness the best Unagi-eel you can get without regret in Japan.
As always Toyohashi is not complete without visiting Sensei’s grave. Pictures this time stay reserved.
Tokyo fun games.
Everything is perfect in Tokyo. Now a lot of people I’ve heard don’t like it. They’re too much. Maybe it’s because you only reached the modern Part of the City. I think it’s how you come about and get introduced to things in life. If there is no one there to show you and you’re just running after product of consumption, I bet you’re gonna miss it! But good news is that there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a place to go and swim, although you have tattoos, we know where to go. My suggestion is just to keep on believing everything you hear on mainstream. In Germany, myself, I’m not too much into it. However, when we go in Japan, we go with many. And of course, those that are also roaming the baths can be seen in all their splendor. What is there better than to discover a new body suit in Germany, myself, I’m not too much into it. However, when we go in Japan, we go with many. And of course, those that are also roaming the baths can be seen in all their splendor. What is there better than to discover a new body suit?
Missing some good ideas?
Some sweet games in the middle of town and when you’re around, the subway is always key. And introducing signs that are in the pavement. Absolutely love it. I wish we had more of that in Germany.
But then again, why would we look for reasons to have less friction in our society. So thank you to everyone who’s all the way up there doing nothing. Highest regards!!!
I guess in my case it’s up to me to explain how Japanese washing machine works. First of all I think it’s much better to use these shops than to use the washing machines in your hotel. You’re gonna get into trouble with people from other countries who are trying to see their vision through of washing everything they have until 2 o’clock in the morning. So just take a book along and read something while you’re waiting.
I’m pretty sure most of you have a translator on the phone so just scan what you can read and you’re on the way. Make sure to take a lot of coins along. Usually the shops have coin changing machines. Do however, make sure that you have it right that you’re using a dryer, washing machine or even two in one. Once you put your coins in, the machine is locked and cannot be put back into position until the time is over. I use this a lot when I’m traveling because it keeps 30 days of traveling gear to a minimum.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
http://www.szgmc.gov.ae
Ninja Wifi
http://www.ninjawifi.com
Toy store in Ueno called Yamashiroya
http://e-yamashiroya.com
Site seeing at Ofuna Kannon
http://www.oofuna-kannon.or.jp
Site seeing at Shurakuen Amida Nagoya/Tokai city
http://www.city.tokai.aichi.jp
Site seeing at Osu Kannon Shrine Nagoya
http://www.osu-kannon.jp
Horifune shichihuku page
http://Horifune.shichihuku.com
Site seeing at Matsudaira Tōshō Gū
http://www.matsudairagou.jp
Eating eel in Toyohashi at Maruyo
Business hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm Closed every Wednesday
50, Fudagi-cho, Toyohashi City Tel: 0533[524987
http://www.maruyo-gr.com