Horiren First

Japanese tattoo artist Horiren First is one of the world’s most highly regarded and sought after tattoo artists. After graduating from the Nippon Institute of Design, Horiren First started working for a computer-game design company after which she moved further afield and became successful working as a muralist.  Unable to give up on her desire to become a tattoo artist, she began her path of self-study at the age of 30 after a trip to Australia during which she received her first tattoo. Now devoted to the tattoo profession, Horiren works primarily in traditional Tebori (tattooing by hand) style, however she will sometimes use a tattoo machine where time is limited.

Horiren has participated in a variety of shows internationally including Le Deco Gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo, Kyosai Kawanabe Gallery in Tokyo, Kyousai Museum, the Tattoo Museum, Amsterdam, and Ricco Maresca Gallery, New York.

—Courtesy of Ricco Maresca