Tokyo Hiro
A LEGENDARY COLLABORATION
WHERE EAST MEETS WEST
Tokyo Hiro’s life has never been about following the expected path. Hiro was born and raised in Japan, where tattoos are considered taboo. He had dreams of being a professional baseball player, but a “stick and poke” tattoo on his forearm from a schoolmate in the back of class at 14 derailed that plan. Pro players in Japan are not supposed to have tattoos, he was told by a coach.
Soon, the thing that kept Hiro from his first dream became his new obsession. The underground tattoo scene in Japan introduced him to punk rock, and he was determined to get to the US to learn everything he could. In the early 90s, he stayed nights in a motel behind a tattoo shop in LA and days in the shop soaking up the culture and studying techniques. All of this despite not speaking any English – which he eventually picked up thanks largely to watching movies with subtitles every night.
Fast forward to today and Hiro is one of the most renowned and sought-after tattoo artists in Southern California, operating his own private shop with his work adorning famous musicians, artists and others who find inspiration in his journey.
But if you ask him, that journey is far from over. Tattooing is just one of his passions. He started a non-profit organization with his wife – Rock And Roll Rescue – which advocates for “adopt, don’t shop” by rescuing pets at risk of euthanization with a focus on seniors and hospice cases, while also providing community assistance (helping with veterinary care, food, & supplies) in order to keep pets in happy homes, even if their family has fallen on hard times.
He fell in love with the sport of soccer, becoming an avid supporter of Millwall FC and has created custom artwork for LAFC. He also plays guitar professionally, filling in on guitar for multiple bands and music projects.
Sapporo was founded on pioneering spirit, and we find that same spirit reflected in Hiro’s drive to let passion shine through. For him there is no destination – only embracing the unexpected journey.
Follow him on Instagram
@tokyohiro @tokyohirodesigns @rocknrollrescueca
