Kenji Shigehara is a dedicated tattoo artist known for his meticulous approach and deep passion for the craft. From his earliest days as a tattooist, Kenji devoted nearly every waking moment to honing his skills, a discipline that involved endless drawing, tool mastery, and self-tattooing. Despite the monotonous nature of this repetition, he discovered that it sharpened his sensitivity to subtle changes and improvements. Kenji attributes his progress to a steadfast belief in gradual improvement, rather than any inherent talent. Together with his wife Yasuno, Kenji has built his expertise largely through self-study, leading to the establishment of their studio, YK-TATTOO Art Studio, named after their initials.
Kenji’s work is deeply influenced by traditional Japanese and Chinese paintings, with a particular affinity for the majestic depictions of tigers. His designs are renowned for their attention to detail and the ability to convey a wide range of expressions and movements, often complemented by motifs like cherry blossoms and bamboo. Kenji remains committed to his craft, continuously inspired by the natural world and driven by the rewarding nature of his art.