Brian Kaneko

Brian started tattooing professionally in 1998 at 19 years old.

Early in his career, he met Bill and Junii Salmon of Diamond Club Tattoo Studio in San Francisco. Their mentorship and that of their large family of highly accomplished friends gave him the support and knowledge that has carried him through his career to this day.

True Nature Tattoo began as his private studio in 2007 and has evolved over the years to house and collaborate with multiple other talented and highly motivated tattooers and guest artists. Brian aims to create a hub of thoughtful, high-energy tattooing and to bring varied artistic styles and perspectives from around the world to his small Northern California town.

Brian’s Japanese heritage has very much formed his personal and tattooing identity over the years, all under the continued guidance of Junii…and with much respect for,  influence from, and friendship with the Horitoshi tattoo family based in Tokyo.

He continues to pursue large-scale Japanese tattooing in Arcata and on regular work trips to San Francisco, Europe, and beyond.

Brian’s Instagram: @truenaturetattoo