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Traditional Japanese dragon artwork
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KAERU

KAERU INK

Twelve years of hand-drawn irezumi in Tokyo. Dragons that breathe. Koi that climb waterfalls. Skin as canvas, tradition as brush.

GET STARTED VIEW WORKS
Tattoo artist at work
ABOUT THE STUDIO

A workshop, not a parlor.

Kaeru Ink opened in 2012 in a converted machiya house near the Sumida River. Three artists, one apprentice, and a refusal to rush. Every consultation is a conversation. Every design is hand-drawn before ink touches skin.

We work in the irezumi tradition โ€” full-body narratives drawn from ukiyo-e, folklore, and the natural world. Sessions run long, breaks run long, and the work endures for life.

12
Years of practice
800+
Pieces completed
3
Master artists
OUR CRAFT

What we draw

Irezumi Tradition

Classical Japanese full-body tattooing rooted in ukiyo-e woodblock art โ€” dragons, koi, phoenixes, and folklore.

Custom Sleeves

Bespoke arm and leg sleeves designed around your story. Each piece is a hand-drawn original.

Black & Grey

Fine-line monochrome work with deep contrast โ€” portraits, sacred geometry, and Japanese calligraphy.

Cover-Ups & Restoration

Transforming old work into refined art, plus restoration of faded pieces to their original glory.

SELECTED WORKS

From the studio

Tattoo work 1
PIECE 01
Tattoo work 2
PIECE 02
Tattoo work 3
PIECE 03
Tattoo work 4
PIECE 04
Tattoo work 5
PIECE 05
Tattoo work 6
PIECE 06
CLIENT VOICES

Carried for life

"

Three sessions across two years. Every line tells a story. The studio feels like a temple โ€” quiet, respectful, exact.

Kenji M.
Back piece collector
"

I came in nervous and left with a piece I'm proud to wear forever. They listened more than they spoke. That's the craft.

Sarah L.
First-time client
"

The dragon on my shoulder breathes. My grandfather's calligraphy lives on my chest. They made memory into skin.

Marcus T.
Sleeve project
VISIT US

Begin the conversation

Consultations are by appointment only. Send us your story, your reference, your arm (or back, or leg). We'll get back within three days.

STUDIO
4-2-8 Sumida, Taito Ward
Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
EMAIL
bookings@kaeru-ink.jp
HOURS
Tuesday โ€“ Saturday ยท 11:00 โ€“ 19:00
By appointment only
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