What was once taboo becomes tradition.

Tattoo and textile.

An irreproducible expression of art, brought into everyday life.

An irreproducible expression of art, brought into everyday life - SUMIYOROSHI - has been launched.

SUMIYOROSHI is a product brand that brings together traditional Japanese tattoo culture and Kyoto’s Nishijin textile.

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by Japanese artisans using traditional materials such as Nishijin obi silk and mud-dyed fabrics.

No reproduction is made from the same textile; every piece is either one-of-a-kind or produced in limited quantities.

The brand reinterprets the Japanese aesthetic of adornment - cultivated over centuries - into a new form for contemporary life.

The official website, online store, and Instagram are now available.

UZU

UZU is the signature piece of SUMIYOROSHI.

It is crafted using obi fabric by Tanaka Den, a fourth-generation master artisan of Kyoto’s Nishijin weaving tradition.

Each piece is carefully constructed by hand, embodying the quiet depth and refined luster unique to pure silk.

The design features an original uzu (tomoe) motif, drawn exclusively for this project by Horiken II, a traditional Japanese tattoo master who continues to preserve hand-carved techniques.

The result is a design where two traditions - tattoo and textile - intersect.

Customers who order UZU will also receive a limited-edition furoshiki designed by Horiken II (while supplies last).

 

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I believe that tattoo and kimono share a common foundation in the Japanese sense of adornment. While both have become less present in everyday life, they carry within them generations of craftsmanship and cultural depth. Without losing these traditions, I wanted to give them a new form - something I would want to use myself.

Founder’s Statement - Sezuki

 

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Sezuki - Profile

Sezuki — Profile

Born in Yokohama in 1971.

He began drawing at an early age, studying watercolor from the age of six and oil painting from eleven, developing a strong foundation in visual arts.

Influenced by music culture, he developed an interest in tattooing and received his first tattoo at 21.

At 24, he apprenticed under a master tattoo artist and began his professional journey.

At 26, he moved to the United States to refine his craft, working as a guest artist in tattoo studios in Los Angeles and New York.

In 2000, he opened NS7.DEPT TATTOO STUDIO in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Since then, he has participated in tattoo conventions worldwide.

In 2009 and 2010, he received top placements in the “Tattoo of the Day” category at the Bay Area Convention of the Tattoo Arts.

In 2013, he relocated to Germany and expanded his activities across Europe.

In 2017, he organized the Japanese Tattoo Show at the Übersee Museum in Bremen,

where he presented traditional Japanese tattooing on live models and gave lectures on its history and cultural significance.

That same year, he performed at Theater am Goetheplatz in Bremen,

and in 2019 at Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg.

He also conducted live tattoo demonstrations at the Weserburg Museum of Modern Art in Bremen,

continuing to present tattoo culture as an art form.

Since 2014, he has organized the anti-nuclear art show “ANTI NUKE SHIT” worldwide (with proceeds donated to Kumi no Sato).

He has also participated in benefit events such as “TATTOO CIRCUS,” connecting art with social engagement.

In 2024, he resumed activities in Japan.

He is currently developing SUMIYOROSHI,

a brand that merges traditional tattoo culture with Japanese materials,

bringing a new expression of Japanese culture to the world.

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Official Information

Official Website
https://sumiyoroshi.com

Official Online Store
https://shop.sumiyoroshi.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sumiyoroshi

For the latest updates, please visit our Instagram.

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