Kiyoharu

Chris Hirakawa

New entrantMikan Tattoo · Southampton, UK

@kiyoharu_tattooer kiyoharutattooer.com

At a glance

StudioMikan Tattoo

BasedSouthampton, UK

2025 titleNot ranked

2026 titleGRAPHICA, Global Top 100

Styles

Black & Grey Realism Opaque Grey Realism Portrait Realism Black & Grey Wildlife

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Inspector's citation · 2026

Kiyoharu has exceptional control of opaque grey realism, seen at its best in his wildlife compositions. Buttery-smooth tonal transitions and softly blurred backgrounds create an almost photographic depth that draws the eye to a finely rendered foreground subject. The balance of crisp detail and atmospheric softness gives the work a distinctive, magazine-like quality. His command of skin, shading and multi-day execution keeps complex compositions consistent from first appointment to last.

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Also in GRAPHICA · alphabetical

PreviousKindamoRome NextKozoNew York City

Certified GRAPHICA

Global Top 100 · 2026

Mat BaxterCo-Founder

Mikael RämgårdCo-Founder

Editorial note on the SKINGRAPHICA® Global Top 100

The SKINGRAPHICA® Global Top 100 Tattoo Artists is an independent editorial recognition of the world's most technically accomplished tattoo artists. Selection rests on mastery, consistency and artistic execution. It does not rest on popularity, social following or commercial influence.

Artists recognised within the Global Top 100 are designated GRAPHICA, the tier directly below Black Ivy within the SKINGRAPHICA® rankings framework. SKINGRAPHICA® does not publish numerical rankings within the Top 100. Artists are listed alphabetically and recognised as peers.

Every effort is made to keep each artist's studio, city, styles and links current. Details change, and no guarantee of accuracy at any given moment is given. Corrections from artists and studios are welcomed through the Request an update link on each profile. Every correction is verified by a reply to a direct message from SKINGRAPHICA® to the artist's verified Instagram account before it is published.

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