Josh Lee: Tattoo Artist from Hong Kong (Traditional Swallow Tattoo)

A few days ago, Horihide 2 showed me a message in English on his Instagram.

Josh Lee, a tattoo artist from Hong Kong, wanted to make an appointment for a tattoo.

“Look at his work.” Horihide 2 showed me the photos Josh had uploaded to his Instagram. “He’s really good!”

It’s always a good feeling when a fellow tattoo artist wants to come in for a tattoo. Tattoo artists look through our galleries with a more critical eye than non-tattooists.

I scrolled through the photos of Josh’s work. It was excellent. He does extremely tasteful tattoos in the old traditional style. Check him out on Instagram @joshlee.ink

Josh arrived with a friend this afternoon for his appointment.

Judging from his Instagram, I was expecting someone old enough to have at least a decade or so of tattooing experience under his belt, and was very surprised to see  how young he was.

I discovered that Josh began tattooing during high school, and has only been tattooing for 4 years. There is no way I would’ve guessed that from his work. I have a feeling that the world will be hearing a lot more from this young artist.

Horihide 2 tattooed a traditional swallow on Josh’s right temple.

Josh sat like a champ and the result was stunning.

Thanks for coming, Josh! Be sure to visit whenever you are in Osaka.

Jack Amano