Japan is renowned for its dislike of tattoos. You’ll often see signs indicating they are banned from various places like gyms and onsens (Japanese public baths). It links back to organised crime and the stigma has failed to be shaken off by tattoo loving westerners or alternative Japanese youth.

So what better place to ink up?! Dan thought so too and embarked on a reasonably long journey of deciding and undeciding before going ahead and getting his first ink. It’s a stunner created by the talented 刺龍堂 -ShiRyuDoh- in Tokyo, and acting as a reminder of the last two special years in Shimonoseki. The puffer fish is what the area is known for!

Now I’m planning my next ink…