Lars Walkling, professionally known as Horiyou 彫陽, is a dedicated tebori tattoo artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

From a young age, Lars was immersed in the creative world, exploring drawing, design, and visual storytelling. After a career in graphic design and co-founding a production company, he discovered his true calling in tattooing—beginning his professional journey in 1997.

Over the years, Lars honed his skills across Europe and the United States, working in a variety of tattoo studios. However, it was his experience in Japan that became the turning point. Traditional Japanese tattooing by hand—tebori—offered not only a new technique but a deeply meaningful philosophy. The spiritual and symbolic depth of Horimono resonated with him and set the foundation for his future work.

In 2017, Lars formally apprenticed under Sensei Horikoi in Toyohashi, Japan. Through years of discipline and immersion, he was welcomed into the Horikoi tattoo family and received the artist name Horiyou 彫陽. His training included not only design and composition but also mastering traditional craftsmanship—hand-making his tebori tools (sashibo), sumi ink, and needles—a practice few outside Japan pursue today.

Now back in Florida, Horiyou brings the philosophy and precision of Japanese traditional tattooing to clients from around the world. Whether working by tebori or machine, each piece is created with care, intent, and respect for the lineage he continues. The studio in Fort Lauderdale offers a space where timeless tradition meets contemporary execution.

Horiyou believes that being trusted with someone’s skin is a profound responsibility. A tattoo should carry meaning, craftsmanship, and cultural awareness. Every client experience reflects this commitment—from the first consultation to the final session.

To learn more about his process, schedule a consultation or a session, visit the Contact page or Instagram.

• Lars Walkling - Horiyou 彫陽