Gakkin, born Kenji Nishigaki, is one of the most internationally recognized Japanese tattoo artists. Originally from Wakayama, he works entirely freehand — no stencils, no pre-drawn sketches. Each piece is born directly on the body, shaped by its curves and form.

Inspired by nature and traditional Japanese masters, his work moves between tribal blackwork, contemporary irezumi and an abstraction entirely his own. Based in Amsterdam since 2016, he takes one appointment a day. Time as a condition of the work.

His collaboration with Ligne Noire Editions extends his universe beyond skin.