Horiryu II - Japanese tattoo artist, Horiryu II Tattoo Vancouver

Founded by Marcus (Horiryu II) — an award-winning tattoo artist — the studio is dedicated to preserving, studying, and evolving the traditions of Asian tattoo art, blending classical techniques with a modern Vancouver sensibility.

Marcus began his tattoo journey in 2015, at just 18 years old, when he entered a traditional apprenticeship under Horiryu I. Over seven transformative years, he immersed himself in the discipline of Japanese tattooing — studying under visiting artists from Japan, traveling across North America for conventions, and earning multiple awards for excellence in Japanese and Asian traditional work.

Today, Marcus focuses exclusively on large-scale Japanese and Asian tattoos — full sleeves, backs, and bodysuits that celebrate classic motifs such as dragons, koi, tigers, phoenixes, deities, warriors, and mythic creatures. Every design is drawn by hand and composed to flow naturally with the body, combining deep respect for cultural symbolism with modern craftsmanship.

  • Tattooing since 2015 — 7-year traditional apprenticeship under Horiryu I
  • Specializes in large-scale Japanese & Asian tattoos — full sleeves, backpieces, bodysuits
  • Selectively accepts smaller projects
  • Every design hand-drawn and composed to flow with the body
  • Award-winning: 2018 Best Traditional — Calgary Tattoo Convention
Awards: 2018 Best Traditional — Calgary Tattoo Convention, Alberta
Marcus drawing on a Ferrari at the Vancouver Tattoo Expo
Marcus airbrushing a Ferrari at the Vancouver Tattoo Convention

Marcus live-painting a Ferrari at the Vancouver Tattoo Expo

Get to Know Me

Marcus has been training MMA since he was 14 — the discipline and focus carry directly into his tattooing. Outside the studio, he's deep into AI and SaaS, always tinkering with new tech and building things. He's also an avid gamer and will happily stay indoors all weekend — the outdoors aren't really his thing.

Work by Horiryu II

Follow @horiryu2tattoo