Tsuu Tokyo / Japan instagram: tsuu_rainfall

Tsuu's evolution has been a journey of patience and deep respect for the craft. After completing a rigorous five-year apprenticeship at a studio, he decided to take the leap into independence. Today, he marks nine years of successfully running his own shop in Tokyo, Rainfall Tattoo. For him, growth never stops; it thrives on a continuous cycle of observation, practice, and refinement—a process he now shares with his own apprentices, discovering that teaching is the ultimate tool for deepening his own craft

How did you get started in tattooing? When did it all begin?

My interest in tattoos originally came from the skateboarding culture that I was deeply involved in at the time. I was inspired by the appearance and style of professional skateboarders from overseas who were heavily tattooed, and that sparked my desire to get tattoos myself. When I received my first tattoo at a tattoo shop, I was struck by what an incredible profession it was. Watching the artist work and experiencing the process firsthand made a strong impression on me, and that experience ultimately led me to pursue a career in tattooing. If I remember correctly, this was around 2011 or 2012.

What has your development process been like up to this point?

I started my career as an apprentice at a tattoo studio and worked there for five years before becoming independent. Since then, I have opened and operated my own studio in Tokyo, and it has now been nine years. Throughout my journey, I have continuously learned from the people around me, growing through a constant cycle of learning, practicing, and refining my craft. Training apprentices has also been an important part of my development. Teaching others has allowed me to deepen my own understanding and learn countless valuable lessons along the way.

Why did you choose traditional as your main style?

I have studied the fundamentals of a wide variety of tattoo styles, but the reason I chose Traditional as my primary style is quite simple—it was Traditional tattoos that first sparked my interest in tattooing. Many of the professional skateboarders I looked up to had Traditional tattoos, and I was drawn to how timeless, bold, and effortlessly cool they looked. Their tattoos were a major influence on me and played a significant role in inspiring my passion for tattooing in the first place.

What was it like to open your own tattoo studio?

At that time—as is still often the case today—it was extremely difficult to find and lease a commercial space for a tattoo studio in Japan, so opening my own studio was a real challenge. Even after securing a location, there were countless things that needed to be done before I could open the doors. Going through that process made me realize just how much support and preparation had been provided for me at the studio where I had previously worked. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the environment and opportunities that had been created for me during those years, and I became truly grateful for everything that had been done behind the scenes.

What is the working relationship and daily dynamic like with the other tattoo artists in the studio?

I always tell my apprentices to treat their seniors with respect and never forget the importance of good manners and professionalism. At the same time, our studio is far from a rigid or overly formal environment. We have a positive and relaxed atmosphere where everyone respects one another, shares laughs, and enjoys a bit of friendly banter throughout the day. That said, when it comes to work, everyone takes their responsibilities seriously and remains fully committed to delivering their best. I believe we have a healthy balance between maintaining a fun, welcoming environment and upholding a strong work ethic.

What other activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of tattooing?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature and getting away from the city whenever I can. My biggest hobby is bass fishing, and one of my favorite places to go is Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. The beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and recharge. Being out on the water and surrounded by nature helps me clear my mind and find inspiration outside of tattooing.

What are your plans or goals for the coming years?

My goals as a tattoo artist are not centered around achieving major accolades or gaining recognition. What truly motivates me is the day-to-day interaction with my clients. Seeing their satisfaction and being able to create something meaningful for them is what gives me the greatest sense of purpose and fulfillment. That said, I never stop working to improve my skills. I believe it is my responsibility as a craftsman to continue refining my technique and artistic ability, always striving to create work that exceeds my clients’ expectations rather than simply meeting them. If, through those efforts, my work happens to catch someone’s attention and leads to opportunities or experiences beyond anything I could have imagined for myself, I would be genuinely grateful. But my primary focus will always remain on creating the best possible tattoos for the people who place their trust in me.

If someone wants to contact you, how can they do it?

The best way to contact me is through Instagram at @tsuu_rainfall or via my website at rainfalltattoo.com.

Would you like to share any special messages?

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my family, the members of my studio, my clients, my friends, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. Tattooing has long carried a somewhat exclusive or misunderstood image in Japan. The fact that I am able to make a living as a tattoo artist today is only possible because of the generations of artists before me who took pride in this craft, preserved its traditions, and continued to support it as a cultural art form. I want to continue my work with a deep respect for those who came before me, never forgetting their contributions. At the same time, I hope to remain conscious of my own role as part of this culture and do my best to contribute to its future with the same sense of pride and responsibility.