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Horiyou 彫陽
Traditional Japanese Tebori Artist
Sensei Horikoi (left), Horiyou (right). Toyohashi, Japan
Horiyou 彫陽 tattooing at ShinouTattoo studio, Fort Lauderdale
Horiyou 彫陽 (Lars Walkling) is a traditional Japanese tebori tattoo artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — member of the Horikoi tattoo family in Japan with nearly 30 years of experience.
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
FAQ
What is tebori tattooing?
Tebori is the traditional Japanese method of tattooing by hand, using a wooden or metal handle with needles attached. Unlike machine tattooing, tebori creates a softer, more organic texture that is unique to each artist's hand movement. It is a centuries-old craft practiced by very few artists outside Japan.
Does tebori hurt more than a machine tattoo?
Most clients describe tebori as less sharp than machine work — more of a scratching sensation. Pain levels vary by placement and individual tolerance, but many find tebori more comfortable for longer sessions.
How long does a Japanese sleeve tattoo take?
A full sleeve typically requires multiple sessions spread over several months, depending on complexity, detail level, and the client's healing and time. Horiyou will give you a personalised timeline during your consultation.
What is the difference between tebori and hand-poke tattooing?
Tebori is a specific Japanese traditional method with its own tools (sashibo), technique, and artistic tradition. Western hand-poke tattooing uses different tools and is a separate tradition. Horiyou practices authentic Japanese tebori as passed down through the Horikoi lineage.
Where is the studio located?
ShinouTattoo is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serving clients from Broward County, Miami, across the United States and internationally.
Who is the best traditional Japanese tattoo artist in Florida?
Horiyou 彫陽 of ShinouTattoo in Fort Lauderdale is one of the only traditional Japanese tattoo artists in Florida trained in authentic tebori technique and formally accepted into the Horikoi tattoo family in Japan.
What does horishi mean?
Horishi (彫師) is the Japanese word for tattoo artist — literally "one who carves." Horiyou 彫陽 is the artist name given to Lars Walkling by Sensei Horikoi upon his acceptance into the Horikoi tattoo family in Japan.
