Best New Japanese Tattoo Artists in Toronto
Exploring the evolution of a traditional art form with bold new voices
If you're looking to get a new Japanese tattoo in Toronto, you're not alone. This modern take on a centuries-old style is growing rapidly in popularity.
At Tattoo People, we’re proud to work with artists who are shaping the future of this genre: KHAN and Ronald.
Before diving into their work, let’s explore what makes New Japanese tattoos so unique and why Toronto is the perfect home for them.
What is New Japanese Tattoo?
The New Japanese tattoo, also called Neo-Japanese, blends the symbolic storytelling of traditional Japanese irezumi with a more experimental and expressive visual language.
This style keeps the essence of classic Japanese tattooing like mythological creatures, floral motifs, and spiritual imagery but modernizes it through:
brighter color palettes
flexible composition
updated shading techniques
playful proportions and perspective
New Japanese tattoos still hold deep meaning but allow artists more freedom to interpret each piece in their own voice. It’s tradition reimagined through contemporary eyes.
Popular New Japanese Tattoo Motifs
New Japanese tattoos blend traditional Eastern iconography with contemporary aesthetics. While every piece is deeply personal, here are a few popular design elements commonly seen in this style:
Dragons
Symbolizing strength, wisdom, and protection, dragons are a timeless choice. In the New Japanese style, they’re often illustrated with dynamic motion and bold color work.
Tigers
Known for their courage and fierce energy, tigers are a favorite in both classic and neo-Japanese art. Artists like KHAN and Ronald reimagine them with modern composition and storytelling.
Hannya Masks
Hannya masks represent deep emotion—usually sorrow, jealousy, or protection. In the New Japanese approach, they’re often paired with flames, flowers, or mythological settings.
Buddhist Symbols
Lotus flowers, Bodhisattvas, and mandalas carry spiritual weight and are often seen in KHAN’s large-scale, meditative pieces.
Waves and Windbars
These elements add movement and flow to the tattoo, making them ideal for sleeves and back pieces. They help connect multiple motifs while creating visual harmony.
Every New Japanese tattoo is layered with meaning. Whether you’re drawn to mythology, nature, or spirituality, the style offers a powerful canvas for storytelling.
Why Tattoo People?
At Tattoo People, we believe tattoos are more than just visuals on skin. They’re an experience, a collaboration, and a piece of art that evolves with you.
Our studio values originality, clarity in design, and work that holds both meaning and longevity. When it comes to New Japanese tattoos, our artists offer more than just beautiful visuals. They bring deep cultural understanding, imaginative composition, and years of experience in creating large-scale, emotionally driven work.
Whether it’s a full sleeve rooted in Buddhist symbolism or a bold reinterpretation of a classic creature, every piece here is intentional, expressive, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Meet KHAN @khan_tattoopeople
KHAN, founder of Tattoo People, was born and raised in Busan, South Korea. His work is deeply influenced by Asian and Buddhist iconography, often brought to life through strong color work, intricate patterns, and large-scale compositions that flow naturally with the body.
He’s known for designing back pieces, full sleeves, and other expansive tattoos filled with spiritual energy and detail. KHAN has received multiple awards from international tattoo conventions, but he’s equally proud of raising three kids and constantly improving the studio space.
His tattoos carry a quiet strength and meditative quality, offering more than just visuals; they carry stories.
Meet Ronald @lilfunki_tattoopeople
Ronald started his tattoo journey in realism and neo-traditional styles, but over time, his focus has shifted toward Asian neo-traditional tattooing, putting him right at home in the world of New Japanese.
His pieces are bold, imaginative, and full of character. Ronald’s ability to tell a visual story through layered composition and surreal detailing makes his work instantly recognisable. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic sleeve or a stylised standalone piece, his tattoos carry depth, personality, and a strong artistic identity.
He blends tradition with creative freedom in a way that resonates with modern collectors.
Ready to Begin Your New Japanese Tattoo?
Whether you’ve been dreaming of a symbolic dragon, a serene Buddha, or something deeply personal told through the language of New Japanese tattooing, we’re here to help bring it to life.
KHAN and Ronald each bring their own energy and voice to the genre, one rooted in deep symbolism, the other in visual storytelling. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be working with artists who care as much about your story as they do about the ink.
Stay tuned for our next blog post: Best Watercolor Tattoos in Toronto
Curious about other genres? We’ll also be covering the best watercolor tattoos in an upcoming post.
