She began by studying kung fu and became a champion. But it was through tattoo art that she found her definitive voice, expressing her concept of “Alter Traditional” which she carries forward every day from her hometown of Osaka.
Hi Sink, let’s start with current events: how did you find yourself tattooing at ‘Gods of Ink’ in Frankfurt?
The opportunity to participate at ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) came through the connections I’ve been fortunate to make along the way, and I feel it all naturally led me here. Being part of this convention is already a very special memory in my journey as a tattoo artist. I was also truly struck by its influence, as many clients came to visit me after seeing my work on the event’s social media (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention). It was also a great honor for me to have my booth next to Gakkin-san (IG: @gakkinx) and Nissaco-san (IG: @nissaco).
Tell us about yourself: when were you “born” as a tattoo artist and what have been the most significant stages in your artistic journey so far?
I feel that my experience studying Traditional Japanese disciplines outside of tattooing has greatly influenced the development of my style. First, through practicing kung fu from a young age, I learned the importance of the “flow of energy.” This understanding eventually led me to become a runner-up at a world championship. Later, through studying Japanese culture, I encountered ikebana, where I learned a refined aesthetic rooted in reduction and simplicity. These encounters with Asian sensibilities have been essential in shaping who I am as an artist and marked important turning points in my journey.
Why the stage name “Sink”?
“Sink” (IG: @sink_tattoo) in Japanese can be interpreted as a deep crimson color, while my real name, Aiko, represents a deep blue. This contrast reflects the concept of duality – similar to yin and yang in Asian philosophy – and is also rooted in traditional Japanese values. Additionally, the sound “sin” can be associated with “needle” in Japanese.
I chose this name – Sink – as it embodies my intention to express Asian and Japanese aesthetics through the use of the needle.
Tell me about your style, especially your study of ikebana…
Ikebana expresses the past, present, and future within a single vessel. It also embodies traditional Japanese principles – such as shin, soe, and hikae; shu, ha, ri; and jo, ha, kyu – all distilled into a highly refined simplicity of form. When I practice ikebana, I immerse myself in these ideas. At the same time, they have deeply influenced my sense of composition, which I carry into my tattoo work.
What do you want to convey with your tattoos? Tradition? Color study? Elegance and harmony? Peace of mind maybe?
I aim to embrace all of these elements as a whole. As I mentioned earlier in relation to duality, within opposing forces there exists a gray area that cannot be cleanly divided into two. Through my work, I want to express a sense of inner peace that gently embraces this ambiguous space – the part of being human that cannot be defined as simply positive or negative. Furthermore, my concept of “Alter Traditional” is both a way of thinking and a form of expression. I believe that as countries and cultures differ, the possibilities within tattoo genres naturally expand.
In that sense, even the definition of style itself is one of the elements I seek to explore and communicate.
If your art were music, what soundtrack would you choose? What if it were a novel?
If it were music, I would choose something rooted in traditional Asian sounds. If it were a book, it would be a collection of Japanese poetry.
Do you have a tattoo studio in Osaka?
Yes, I do have a studio in Osaka with my husband Ivoly (IG: @ivoly_tattoo). Together with my husband I am planning to launch a long-envisioned project called ‘Osaka Tattoo Library (O.T.L.)’ as early as within this year. ‘O.T.L.’ will not only function as a tattoo studio, but also as a space to exhibit the materials Ivoly (IG: @ivoly_tattoo) has collected over the past 20 years.
In addition, we plan to engage in a wide range of activities, including events, seminars, and support for guest artists. At a time when the tattoo industry is increasingly driven by commercialization and commodification on a global scale, we hope to offer a more spiritual and cultural approach through this project.
Have you already marked in your calendar any events like guest spots or tattoo conventions that will take you far from Osaka?
Every year, I travel to Europe in the spring, where I absorb new inspiration, and then express it through my work in the summer. I also travel to Tokyo every two months for guest work. As for autumn, nothing is confirmed yet, but I have been invited to participate in ‘Lugano Tattoo Royale’ (IG: @luganotattooroyale) in Lugano, Switzerland, which I would love to attend if possible. There is also the ‘Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival’ (IG: @tokyobay_tattoo_festival) held in Tokyo in autumn, an event I take part in every year.
And your last famous words are… ?
As a closing, I would like to share a passage from the Japanese classic Hōjōki: “Incessant is the change of water where the stream glides on calmly: the spray appears over a cataract, yet vanishes without a moment’s delay.”
