Startup Interviews: Nine Tails Tattoo Co-Founder Kanae

In conversation with Nine Tails Tattoo Co-Founder Kanae

Kanae began tattooing in 2002 as an apprentice at Makoto Hasegawa’s Hocus Pocus Studio in Shizuoka, Japan. After studying the works of the great Japanese artists, Kanae developed a passion for traditional Japanese tattoos. Each of her designs is rooted in the stories and traditions of traditional Japanese legend and lore.

Since moving to the UK in 2007, Kanae has worked at Camden’s Evil From the Needle, and Mo Coppoletta’s The Family Business. She now runs her own tattoo studio, Nine Tails Tattoo in Shoreditch, along with her co-founder, Mie.

T: Tell us about your tattoo studio – what inspired the name, Nine Tails?

K: The name Nine Tails Tattoo is taken from an old Japanese folklore tale about the ‘Nine Tailed Fox’ (kyu-bi-ko). According to folklore, these are animals that have magical powers.

Naming the shop after an iconic Japanese magical symbol was done out of respect for the Japanese tattoo artists who trained me. I learned to tattoo from a tattoo artist called Makoto, owner of Hocus Pocus Tattoo in Shizuoka, Japan. Makoto was taught by a Japanese tattooer called Hideo Uchiyama, owner and founder of Tokyo’s Magical Tattoo. Nine Tails was chosen as a gesture of respect to these teachers who continue to inspire me!

T: What would you say has been your most memorable moment since launching?

K: We had an amazing guest artist, GENKO, from Japan. Working with him was very inspiring, great for learning, and a good laugh. Working with lots of different tattooers is very important to get new ideas about drawing, how to work, as well as technical stuff. It’s great for customers too, as they have a good opportunity to get tattooed by tattooers from all over the world. We are planning to have more guest artists in the near future.

T: Why did you choose Shoreditch in launching your startup?

K: I think that Shoreditch is a very exciting area. I can see lots of new, interesting stuff and shops on the streets. The concept of my shop is unique in the sense that we specialise in Japanese traditional tattoos. I wanted to create a relaxing space – the kind of space that I would want to get tattooed in if I was a customer. I thought that the location of Shoreditch was perfect. It’s still got a lot of independent stores, and the vibe is still interesting and fun.

T: Any favourite haunts in Shoreditch?

K: I am new to this area, so I am trying to find out now. There are too many choices! However, I really like the store next to us – it’s a Japanese hat shop called CA4LA. We sometimes hang out in there and try on lots of hats!

Finally, can you give us a few ‘Do’s and Dont’s’ for setting up a new business?

K: Hmmm … I am not really a business person, so I don’t really know what to tell you. I am still learning at the moment!

Nine Tails Tattoo

London N1 6HB
www.ninetailstattoo.com