TATTOO TALES

Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from the expertly curated pages of traditional magazines to the fast-paced landscape of social media. Manami eloquently explains how the profound, artisanal essence of this craft is often distorted by modern online trends, where popularity rarely reflects true skill and young artists frequently copy designs without understanding their culturally deep source material.

Drawing from over two decades of experience, she shares her incredible stories of documenting Japan's vibrant tattoo boom, navigating a complex underworld of shifting characters.

Our conversation delves into the deeply rooted philosophy of downtown Tokyo’s artisans. We discuss the intense atmosphere of local celebrations like the Torigoe Matsuri and the vital, living connections between traditional Wabori, religious practices, and seasonal folklore. Manami also offers a refreshing and fascinating perspective on cultural exchange.

Finally, we explore the rich historical context of her work, including her books "Tattoo in Japan" and her newest "Fights and Fires of the Flowers of Edo." She unpacks the transient, high-spirited nature of Edo-period firefighters, carpenters, and Yakuza, highlighting a culture historically intertwined with the constant consciousness of death.

This conversation is a vital and humbling reflection on what it takes to truly preserve the heritage, depth, and community spirit of Japanese artisanal tattooing well beyond mere visual appeal.

Follow Manami on Instagram

maki23.com

Manami’s new book ‘The Japanese Tattoo’

stefbastian.com

Step into a humbling reflection on dedication that echoes the slow, deliberate rhythm of the traditional Tebori techniques we discuss.

In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Borsi, a traditional Japanese tattoo artist based in Milan, to explore what it truly means to submit to an ancient craft. Roberto breaks down why tattooing is not just a profession, but an immersive lifestyle akin to a martial art that demands lifelong, continuous study.

Our conversation traces Roberto's fascinating journey, starting from his childhood awe of sailors' shark and mermaid tattoos to experimenting with homemade machines in the late 1970s. He shares his experience studying art at the Academy of Brera in Milan, where he became one of the first to bring tattooing into an Italian academic setting, relying on imported books long before the internet made reference materials easily accessible.

Roberto, as a member of the Horitoshi I family, explains to us the value and uniqueness of the Tebori technique he practices, and the absolute necessity of respecting seasonal rules, mythology, and correct color combinations rooted in folklore to maintain the integrity of the art form.

Those are the words of an experienced and extremely committed artist that bring incredible value to the journey of every tattooer interested in this style.

Follow Roberto on Instagram

Primordial Pain Tattoo

stefbastian.com

Today, I’m sitting down with Rue from Ruethless Irons for a conversation that gets right to the heart of things.

Rue has been in the game since the late 90s, coming up in San Francisco and Amsterdam before finding his true calling in machine building.

But we aren't just talking history. This episode is a wake-up call about the current state of tattooing. We get into the quiet corporate takeover happening right under our noses, as private equity firms buy up our supply chains to strip and consolidate them.

We talk about the absolute necessity of voting with our dollars, ditching the convenience of corporate monopolies, and throwing our support behind independent, tattooer-owned brands. We also touch on the real why behind machine building and how smaller, tattoo-focused conventions are keeping the real community alive.

Tattooing has given us everything, and this conversation is all about how we protect it.

Follow Rue on Instagram

ruethless-irons.com

stefbastian.com

In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro.

This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindset into his work, as he says “Balance beats perfection”.

His insights, matured over a long and successful career, can be very helpful to all the committed artists and tattooers that share the struggles of draftsmanship and the quest to grasp the bigger picture of a culturally and visually rich style such as the Japanese. 

Find Pino on Instagram

Find out more about Stef’s courses, seminars and projects

Curious about how to make woodblock prints?

In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago.

From his school in the mountains of Karuizawa, Terry breaks down the intricate world of woodblock printing—from the discipline of his apprenticeship in Kyoto to the specialized tools like the baren and cherry wood blocks.

We dive into the striking parallels between the heritage of Japanese printmaking and the tattooing world, exploring how the craft has evolved from the rigid assembly lines of the Edo period to a contemporary "Golden Age" where artists handle every step of the process.

It’s a deep dive into a tactile, timeless and versatile medium that rewards patience and honors the rule of "making it from yourself."

Artists mentioned in the episode:

Hiroshi Yoshida (shin hanga)

Munakata Shiko (sosaku hanga)

Suppliers:

Gwasendo (art supply store in Kyoto)

Michihamono (tool maker)

Sekaido (Tokyo)

Mokuhankan (Tokyo)

Mentioned tattoo-friendly onsen:

agri-yu

Learn more about Terry’s courses and residencies

Terry’s school on IG

Stef’s mentorship and projects

Stef’s IG

Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect. 

Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi

Mentioned texts: 

-Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan)

-Kōjaku Monogatari-shū

-Hira-no-Kōjin Reitaku

-Shūi-ōjōden

-Tengu Zushi (scrolls)

(mentioned anime about Japanese Hell: HOZUKI’S COOLHEADEDNESS)

Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration.

Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sustainable, and exciting. It’s an honest, heart-warming conversation with someone who’s carved her own path while staying deeply connected to the joy of creating.

I’m sure her words and priorities resonate with a lot of you and her insights can help you in your own journey as a creative. 

Follow Tabby on Instagram

Get her prints and find out more about her work

Sailors jail Gallery

stefbastian.com

Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity.

We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career.

We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others.

We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris.

This is a story about art, healing, and legacy.

Follow Michelle on Instagram

Darktales

News, courses and more

Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community.

This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking.

Follow Bill on Instagram

Billcanales.com

Mentorships, Courses and more

Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more. 

In this episode, Luke shares insights on commitment, the price of knowledge, the value of the process, and the importance of honoring the clients who allow us to do what we love. His wisdom is the kind that can reshape the way we approach our craft—no matter where we are in our journey.

Luke’s energy is contagious, and talking with him was a real pleasure—something that was felt not just by me, but by everyone in the audience. I hope his words inspire you as much as they inspired me. And if you ever get the chance, make sure to experience the Aachen Tattoo Convention for yourself—it’s truly a well of inspiration and learning from some of the best in the world.

Thank you Andreas Coenen and the whole podcast crew that made this possible. 

Checker demon website

Checker Demon books

Aachen Tattoo Convention IG

kaiserstadt-tattoo-expo-aachen.com

stefbastian.com