We know that you met with Don Ed Hardy back in the mid 80s. Can you share with us how you got to know each other?

I was introduced to Hardy San by mutual friends and he really taught me a lot about the western tattoo world.  He is a good friend of mine and I respect him very much.

Other than Hardy, is there any other tattoo artist you admire?

Yes of course.  I admire Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, Lal Hardy, Mr. Cartoon, Chuey Qunitanaar and many more.  There are so many great artists nowadays.

How did you decide to get into the apparel industry? How did the label start?

I was approached by Steve the CEO of Horiyoshi the Third Clothing.  He was a client of mine for quite some time and he wanted to partner to make a clothing brand inspired by my artwork.  I liked the idea as the brand was based around quality and I would be very involved with all of the design process.  I’ve done license agreements in the past where companies used my design, but this time it is my ideas.  I hope people enjoy them.

What is the design process for the apparel line like? Do you select from an archive of existing designs or are there new designs created specially for the line?

I draw new designs for all of the motifs for the clothing line so that the wearer receive an original limited pieces.

Do you have a favorite item from the collection now? If so, which one is it?

I like so many of them but I really like the “Tiger on Rock” and “Head on a Tree” t-shirts as well as all of the knitwear pieces.

As we heard, your son Horiyoshi Souryou will also be tattooing at the London Tattoo Convention this year. How did he get into the business?

Kazuyoshi has been around tattooing all his life.  He came with me to all of the tattoo conventions since he was an infance.  He’s been involved with drawing and tattooing ever since he was 14.  He has a long way to go but he is working hard.

You have an impressive collection of tattoos done on you as well. Which is the most significant or memorable one to you? Who did your tattoos?

The Tennyo on my back done by master Shodai Horiyoshi is my favourite.

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to interview me and take an interest in what I do.

I hope you enjoy the new collection and please continue to support me!  Onegai Shimasu!

Horiyoshi III