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TAPPEI: The Tattoo Artist Captivating Nike & Undercover – His Journey & Design Philosophy

2024.12.04

Once a symbol of rebellion, tattoos are now becoming a part of fashion culture in Japan.

One of the central figures in this movement is TAPPEI. He started tattooing as a self-taught artist and has garnered attention for his cheerful designs featuring pop characters. He collaborates with well-known domestic and international brands like NIKE and UNDERCOVER.

In this article, we visit TAPPEI's tattoo studio to uncover the secrets of his creations and explore the allure of tattoos as they transform into a new culture.

PROFILE

TAPPEI

Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1993. Since 2015, he has been active as a tattoo artist based in Tokyo. In 2020, he opened his atelier and tattoo studio called "TAPPEI ROOM" in Nakameguro. He has collaborated with various brands such as "UNDERCOVER" and "NIKE," and he also engages in graphic design and art direction.
Instagram: @tappeis

The Elementary School Student Obsessed with Tattoos

Can you tell us about what drew you to tattoos and your roots?

The first time I learned about tattoos was when I was in elementary school. There was a tattoo featured in a movie my father was watching at home. I believe it was a Japanese yakuza film. When I asked my dad, "What is this?" he told me, "It's called 'Irezumi' (tattoo), and it’s a picture embedded in the skin." At that moment, I thought it was incredibly cool.

Since then, I have always admired tattoos, and on the day I graduated from high school, I got my first tattoo on my chest.

Did you always plan to have a tattoo artist do your tattoo from the beginning?

Yes. By the time I was in high school, I had already researched the profession of tattoo artist, so I definitely wanted a professional to do it. I brought in a design featuring my name "TAPPEI" in the shape of a star and had it tattooed.

Three months later, I bought a tattoo machine and started tattooing myself. However, since I didn't have a mentor, I had to practice by tattooing my own body or asking friends to let me tattoo them. At that time, I wasn't charging for it; it was more like a hobby.

When did tattooing become your job?

It was around 2015, when I moved from Osaka to Tokyo. I was working as a staff member at CANNABIS［1］, and when I told the manager that I was tattooing, he offered me space to use after hours. Gradually, I started to attract customers, and by 2020, I opened my own tattoo studio.

The Secrets of Characters Living on the Body

Your friendly characters have a cartoon-like design with simple lines, right?

This design truly took shape after I moved to Tokyo. When I was in Osaka, I thought it might be better to do classic tattoos, but in Tokyo, many people appreciated my original designs.

Where did the world view featuring cute and slightly edgy characters come from?

It is influenced by graffiti from Keith Haring and foreign animations like "The Simpsons," but the biggest impact came from playing with dolls and stuffed animals when I was a child.

I wasn't interested in the typical boyish play of fighting monster figures; I preferred creating a world like in "Toy Story," where various characters live together. I feel that’s where my inspiration lies.

Indeed, it looks like the characters are living on the body. Among them, the 'Angel' is a representative motif. Does it have a name?

I intentionally haven't given it a specific name. I just refer to it as the "Angel character." "Angels" are a common motif in tattoos, and since I received many requests from customers, I created this design. Initially, it had a face similar to a smiley mark, but gradually it evolved into its current form, becoming my signature character.

There's a distinctive storytelling quality in your style of tattooing characters and messages on the body. Are there any unique innovations that come with tattooing?

I find it fascinating that the expression can change depending on where on the body you place the tattoo. There are various techniques. For example, I often incorporate a "spider web" motif on elbows; I once tattooed a "no entry" sign on the elbow, accompanied by a spider that is struggling to weave its web around it.

There are times when I tattoo a design on a body that already has work from other tattoo artists nearby. If a heart motif is already present, I might suggest, "Shall I also create a design that complements the heart motif?" However, I make sure not to ruin the story of the existing tattoos. While I don't strictly adhere to the customs of the tattoo world, I believe such manners are important.

On the other hand, there are also orders for "cover-ups," where I beautifully tattoo over an existing tattoo.

Is there a particular tattoo procedure that left a strong impression on you?

There are many, but one memorable experience was two years ago when I tattooed an "Angel Character" on the back of someone's head. It was really small, right where the hair grows, just one piece.

When I asked why, it turned out they had a profession where tattoos absolutely couldn't be visible. Even though the person couldn't see it themselves, they insisted on having my tattoo done. I thought to myself that for them, the tattoo was like a "protective charm."

Collaboration Expanding from Tattoos

In October, he held a solo exhibition titled "From:space" showcasing works beyond tattoos, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and apparel.

In recent years, my activities have expanded from tattoos, leading to solo exhibitions and active collaborations with fashion brands.

It all started when I received a collaboration request from SWATCH, and I created items for NIKE's "Air Force 1" 40th anniversary project, as well as for RODY and AVIREX.

During a project at TRUNK (HOTEL), I strapped a camera to my head and performed a live performance where I tattooed someone's back over three days. I primarily decide based on whether I feel excited about the opportunity rather than the fee involved.

Despite collaborating with famous brands, is there a particular collaboration that holds special significance for you?

If I had to pick one, it would be the collaboration with UNDERCOVER in 2022. UNDERCOVER's iconic character "Blindfold Bear" is very special to me.

When I moved to Tokyo, I was greatly helped by Takeshi Osumi［2］. He liked my tattoos so much that there was a time I tattooed him every week—a true benefactor.

One day, Osumi said he wanted me to tattoo the "Blindfold Bear." Since it was a brand I liked, I agreed, and we talked about wanting to show it to Jonio (the designer of UNDERCOVER) in 2021, but then Osumi passed away.

So, when the collaboration request from UNDERCOVER came, I immediately asked, "Please let me draw the 'Blindfold Bear'" and created one design. Although I couldn't directly show Osumi's tattoo to Jonio, I was able to present it to him in another form. I felt like the connection had taken shape, and that made me very happy.

TAPPEI's tattoo studio is filled with various toys.

Now at 31 years old, TAPPEI is also the age at which his beloved Keith Haring passed away. What challenges would you like to take on in the future?

I want to continue with tattoos while also creating animated works. I feel like if Keith were alive now, he would be making animations. Additionally, perhaps it's an extension of the things I've enjoyed since childhood, but I would like to create an amusement park-like space.

Art that Will Never Be Resold

Tattoos have become more accessible, increasingly regarded as a form of fashion in recent years.

First of all, I still believe that tattoos carry a certain risk in life. Even so, the desire to want and own a tattoo is something that must be cherished.

Of course, many people feel special because they want tattoos simply because those around them do not have them. However, I feel that recent tattoos have expanded a bit beyond the conventional image. I've seen an increase in customers who come to my studio for their first tattoo. While most are from younger generations, I've noticed more who are even older than me.

What do you think is the appeal of tattoos as a form of expression that can only be done on the skin?

It's on one's own body and is permanent. But once I'm gone, it will disappear. I believe it has that "protective charm"-like value I mentioned earlier. Moreover, tattoos tend to develop a bit of character over time. It's kind of a growing relationship, similar to how one feels toward a child.

I believe tattoos are real art. Although they are the works of tattoo artists, they are not priced or sold to anyone else—they're part of one’s own body. When one looks in the mirror and sees their tattoo, it’s hard to explain, but that sensation is truly special.

《Note》
［1］A select shop in Harajuku
［2］A fashion designer who launched "SWAGGER," "PHENOMENON," and "MISTERGENTLEMAN." Passed away in 2021.

Text by GANTAN