JAKOH
Jakoh is a renowned tattoo artist hailing from Aichi, Japan. He started his tattoo career under the guidance of the legendary Master Horitatsu 1st in 2000. After eight years of honing his skills in Japan, Jakoh moved to Los Angeles.
Jakoh has made a name for himself in the tattoo industry, his exceptional work has been featured in numerous magazines and books. In 2019, his artwork was showcased in the Perseverance Exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
In 2021, Jakoh took his passion for tattooing to the next level, opening Kurikara Tattoo, in the Arts District. Specializing in traditional Japanese designs, Jakoh has quickly become a go-to artist for anyone seeking an authentic Irezumi. With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to his craft, Jakoh has cemented his status as one of the most talented tattoo artists of his generation.
AJ Basilio
AJ Basilio’s tattoos merge folklore and nature, creating living tapestries where myths and modernity intertwine. Each design tells a powerful story, reflecting themes of transformation, courage, and the transient beauty of life.
Tattooing professionally since 2015, AJ’s artistic journey began with a passion for fine art, refined through his studies at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. His work, deeply influenced by Japanese traditions, combines technical precision with imaginative storytelling. Now based in Los Angeles, AJ has also left his mark in San Diego, San Francisco, and Colorado, earning a reputation for his customized, highly sought-after designs.
Balancing tradition with a contemporary edge, AJ’s tattoos are rich in symbolism and emotion. From vibrant dragons and mythical creatures to serene natural elements, each piece is tailored to the client, resonating as both personal narrative and timeless art. Continually evolving, AJ’s work celebrates culture, legend, and individuality, offering clients more than tattoos—but living works of art that inspire and endure.
Pablo Ortega
Pablo, originally from Costa Rica, has been tattooing for over 12 years. He began his apprenticeship in a studio focused on black and grey realism and Chicano style, but his true passion has always been Japanese tattooing — its culture, history, and traditions. Through traveling and working alongside respected artists, Pablo has continued to refine his craft, always open to learning from others and exploring new ways to grow. His time at Kurikara Tattoo has been an invaluable experience, deepening his understanding of Japanese tattooing — its rules, flows, and discipline. Dedicated to pushing his style and techniques, Pablo approaches every design as both a challenge and a story, aiming to honor the tradition of Japanese tattooing while expressing his own evolving vision.
Jack
Jack is the newest addition at Kurikara Tattoo as the shop apprentice. With over 15 years as an exhibiting and performing artist, Jack has showcased work across the United States, Philippines, Thailand, and Japan and is a published author. Academically, Jack holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts and a second degree in European Languages and Linguistics from the premier University of the Philippines. Furthering her international artistic pursuits, she received a Japanese government scholarship to study politics and traditional Japanese theater at Yokohama National University and Ferris University in Japan. Currently training under her mentors at Kurikara Tattoo, Jack is dedicated to learning traditional Japanese tattooing. She is also exploring various styles, with the goal of becoming a versatile and well-rounded tattoo artist.