Tattoos & Travelling: Noko

Grace: It’s round two of 'Tattoos & Travelling' and this week I’m so excited to introduce you to one of the world's youngest tattooers! Noko is a 10 year-old, second generation tattooer from Japan, who now lives in Amsterdam tattooing with her dad, Gakkin. I caught up with her to see what it’s like to be ten and tattooing!

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Noko! I’m 10 years old. I am learning Tattoo from my father Gakkin. I like drawing, dancing, gaming, stuffed animals, and cats, birds, seafood! I don’t like celery and silverfish...

What’s your earliest travel memory?

My earliest travel memory is Brighton in UK. My mom says when I was 4 or 5? I only remember that we went to kew garden and took a picture with very very big mushrooms.

Would you say travelling has played a part of your growth as an artist and tattooer?

I’m not sure so much... but If I lived in Japan, I wouldn't want to be a tattoo artist. Maybe many people will think that my parents is strange, she is doing not good things.

We like Japan so much but sometimes it’s not fun. They don’t like tattoos. But now we’re in Amsterdam. Many people cheer me upso I’m very very happy!

When did you start tattooing and what made you want to become a tattooer?

I started tattooing when I was 8. Because my father is tattoo artist. It looked fun for me.

Why do you think travelling and tattooing go so well together? And do you feel travelling has made an impact on your art?

I’m not sure but when I see some beautiful pictures, I feel I wish I could be able to draw like this. I feel what were they doing when they were 10 ??

What does being a second generation tattoo artist mean to you?

Ammm . I don’t know well. .. but teacher is father. I can ask anything very easily. When I am in the school, I can’t ask anything to teacher .. I’m shy... so I feel relieved with my father!