We interviewed tattoo legend Takahiro “Taki” Kitamura; we are now in San Jose, California, for his studio’s 20th-anniversary celebration. In addition to permanent and guest artists tattooing in the shop, there is street art, a panel discussion, an art display, and much more. State of Grace studio collaborated with Empire Seven Studios, the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, and other San Jose merchants and community members to create a unique three-day festival. Held in the city’s Japantown, it was filled with people enjoying indoor and outdoor art.

One of the pleasures of being in the studio on Saturday, September 10, 2022, was seeing it full of creative individuals with tattoo machines in hand all day. Sef Samatua, Si’i Liufau, Frank Ball Jr., Matt Shamah, Britton McFetridge, and Jason Eisenberg are listed. Horitomo and Chuey Quintanar are also enjoying the party. There is no downside to occupying this four-wall space.

State of Grace owners Molly and Takahiro “Taki” Kitamura.

Doryu, a tattooer from the Bay Area, California.

The hand-painted ceramics of Britton McFetridge.

The artist McFetridge in action, known as the organizer of the Capitol City Tattoo Convention in Sacramento.

Juan Carlos Araujo, Momo Cha, and Takahiro Kitamura are the panelists for the conversation at the Japanese American Museum.

Regarding the present status of the arts, the panel had an enlightening discussion.

Tattooist Horitomo signing his latest book “Immovable: Anew.”

Sef Samatua’s art is pervasively infused with “Kava Flow.”

An appreciation of Chuey Quintanar and Kitamura, two legends.

Tattooland’s Frank Ball Jr joins the studio’s celebration.

State of Grace’s collaborative mural for Japantown in San Jose, California.

Jason Eisenberg (left), Tyler Harrington with machine (right), and Claire Lewis, Harrington’s fiancée (middle).

Members of the State of Grace front desk shop are Anthony Gumataotao and Alberto Garcia.

Photos © The Tattoo Journalist / Scene360