Vancouver, BC — By Appointment
Traditional Japanese Tattooing
Wabori, irezumi and horimono — bodysuits, backpieces and sleeves, hand-drawn and composed to flow with the body.
Interviewed by Inked Vice Magazine
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The Studio
Meet the Artist
A one-artist private studio in Vancouver, working exclusively in traditional Japanese tattooing.
Horiryu II (Marcus)
Owner & Lead Artist
Traditional Japanese — wabori, irezumi & horimono
Currently taking large-scale projects only, by waitlist. Minimum size is a half sleeve.
和彫り
What is Wabori?
Wabori is the Japanese word for Japanese-style tattooing — the tradition most people outside Japan know as irezumi, and which tattooers themselves often call horimono. All three point to the same craft: large, unified compositions built from a shared visual language that has been refined over centuries.
What separates wabori from a collection of individual tattoos is composition. A piece is designed as a whole — the main subject, the background of wind bars, water, clouds or rock, and the flowers that mark its season all work together and follow the shape of the body. That is why the tradition favours scale: sleeves, backpieces and bodysuits give a design the room it needs to breathe and move.
- Ryu — DragonWisdom, strength and protection.
- Koi — CarpPerseverance; the fish that climbs the waterfall.
- Tora — TigerCourage, and a guard against misfortune.
- HannyaThe mask of jealousy and grief, from Noh theatre.
- Fudo MyooThe immovable protector, wreathed in flame.
- Botan — PeonyBravery and good fortune; a classic companion motif.
How It Works
From first inquiry to finished tattoo — a simple, straightforward process.
01
Submit an Inquiry
Fill out our contact form with your tattoo idea, placement, and any references. We'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.
02
In-Person Consultation
Meet at the studio for sizing, tracings, and design direction. We'll finalize your appointment date and handle paperwork.
03
Tattoo Session
Your custom design is revealed on the day of your appointment. Every client gets the time and attention their piece deserves.
About the Studio
Horiryu II Tattoo Inc. is a traditional Japanese tattoo studio in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to wabori — irezumi and horimono. Bodysuits, backpieces, full and leg sleeves, all hand-drawn and composed for the body. Appointment only.
Serving clients across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and the Lower Mainland.
In the Press
Featured Interview
You actually have to dedicate yourself to one craft and perfect it. If you do anything less, it's not good enough.
Marcus (Horiryu II) — Inked Vice Magazine
Common Questions
How much does a Japanese sleeve tattoo cost in Vancouver?
Our artists charge an hourly rate for all tattoo work. Large-scale Japanese pieces such as sleeves or back pieces are difficult to estimate precisely, as many factors influence session time — including pain tolerance, skin condition, and the level of detail in the design. Rough time and cost estimates are provided during the in-person consultation.
How do I book an appointment?
Consultations are required, as we operate by appointment only. Consultations are free of charge; however, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. Submit an inquiry through our contact form to get started.
Will I see the design before my appointment?
Designs are not shown prior to the appointment. The consultation ensures both the artist and client fully understand the requested concept. Minor adjustments can be discussed and agreed upon during the tattoo session.
What styles do you specialize in?
Traditional Japanese tattooing — wabori, also known as irezumi or horimono — alongside Asian-inspired work. That includes bodysuits, backpieces, full and leg sleeves, frontpieces and chest panels. Horiryu II (Marcus) works exclusively at large scale, with a half sleeve as his minimum. Every design is custom-drawn for the client.
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Serving Vancouver & the Lower Mainland
A private, appointment-only studio in Vancouver, BC — serving Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North and West Vancouver, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Clients also travel from across Canada and the Pacific Northwest for multi-session projects.