State Of Grace Tattoo

Wonderful people. Super nice people and PROFESSIONAL. Unlike the whack tattoo shop on 1^st street. Shout out to my homie Drew who tatted 408 on my lovely hand.

Got my tattoo done by Horifuji, and I love it! Being born in Japan, I’ve always wanted a Japanese tattoo by a Japanese artist. Lucky for me, State of Grace just brought in Horifuji and I managed to get an appointment in.
To start from the beginning, I’ve decided to stop by State of Grace to get a feel for the place before committing to anything. I met Taki and his wife (I believe her name was Molly) and I got a great vibe from not only them two, but the entire place. I originally wanted to schedule an appointment with Taki, but being as busy as he is, Molly suggested I go with Horifuji who happened to be flying in from Japan. After looking at his Instagram, I went ahead and scheduled a consultation, and got my tattoo done shortly after.
Horifuji did an amazing job and I plan on coming back for my next piece. If you’re looking to get a Japanese artwork tatted, State of Grace is the place to go!

Been coming to see Taki and family for ages. Blake has some work on my skin and Taki has done some great ink on this tired old body. Taki just starting a Hanya on my leg and looking forward to every session bro. As for Molly, she is a great gal, loves hearing my crazy Burning Man stories and always has a smile and hello for me. I have had tattoos at a few places but State of Grace takes it to another level. This is serious & quiet artist haven where the work amazes and the art is peerless.

I love Colin. Had a few sessions over the year for a koi we finished today. He coordinated with me initially via email since I live out of the area. We exchanged ideas & he drew up the most beautiful koi side piece. He was very humble & let me know in advance he would make changes if I’d like to… it was so perfect I didn’t change a thing. Very brilliant & professional dude, can’t go wrong with Colin!

I got a tattoo from Horitomo last month, and I had an excellent experience from my first conversation 14 months ago with Molly, the creative director at SoG, through the actual tattoo itself with Horitomo. I came from across the country based on Horitomo’s art and cats. Top notch experience I’ll treasure.
Consultation and design: I got on the waiting list last year for a Monmon Cat, which if you’re familiar, Horitomo will design based on your cat. I was asked to send an email with what I wanted. I sent about 10 pictures describing my cat’s appearance and personality. During the consultation, Molly listened to my thoughts for the tattoo, and she obviously conveyed my thoughts to Horitomo. I was told up front that there would be no changes other than minor changes like color or some positioning. That made me nervous, but I have been following Horitomo for a while and know several people who have tattoos by him and all are very pleased.
The day of the tattoo: part of the adventure working with an excellent artist is that the tattoo is a collaboration — I wanted Horitomo to interpret my kitty in his style — and he knocked it out of the park! Without getting all crazy-​cat-​lady-​ish, he created a vision of my kitty in heaven surrounded by her favorite things, and I cried when I saw the design. It was abundantly clear that he had looked at the pictures and learned about her because the design captured her personality. I asked him to changed some of her coloring in two places and he did without issue.
My session was 5 hours with two short breaks. I asked for some tebori, and he did everything by machine except the white shading, which he did by hand. Horitomo’s raised platform area is a treat, to be tattooed in his personal area surrounded by his art and materials. Horitomo is a very nice person, patient and kind. I forgot to ask him to sign his book and the stencil, and he actually returned the next day on his day off to sign it because I was flying out of town. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to meet Molly and thank her for her help during the process.
I highly recommend State of Grace, Horitomo and Molly in particular.

This review is for MOLLY… if I could give her no stars or even negative stars, I would!
Molly is Taki’s wife, Taki is the owner.
I had an appointment with Horitomo on Wednesday, October 14^th to do my Crane tattoo sleeve. I left a message with a guy a month ago that I wanted to see my drawing that Horitomo drew up for me and he said he would give the message to Horitomo and to Molly. Well no one ever called me back. So I called back a couple days ago and I spoke with a woman who answered the phone. Told her the deal that no one called me back and she said, «I’m Molly.» I said, «Oh, well no one called me back so I was getting concerned and that’s why I’m calling now.» She thought I was getting a Mon Mon Cat. I told her Horitomo agreed to do my Crane tattoo. Anyways, she said the drawing is ready, you can come by anytime to see it. I told her I would come by tomorrow to take a look. And then she mentioned absolutely no changes are to be made. So I asked her, «What if I don’t like it?» Molly said, «You forfeit your deposit.» Mind you, I paid a $ 300 deposit because Horitomo is $ 250 an hour! I was speechless because if I’m paying a lot of money, I better be happy with that drawing the first time around! So Molly explained to me that I need to trust my artist. She told me exactly that if Horitomo is doing a crane tattoo for me that I should expect, «the best crane tattoo in the world» because he worked months and months on drawing this tattoo. I said, «Fair enough, I’m sure I will like it, I just wanted to make sure the position of the crane is how I wanted it. I’ll be in tomorrow morning to see it.»
I thought that was going to be the end of the conversation. Apparently not! I know who Molly is in relation to the owner. Taki does my BF’s tattoo and that’s how I was recommended. So keep in mind, during my convo with her, I was being super nice.
Molly started copping a major attitude with me. Why? Because I asked that simple question, «What happens if I don’t like it?» She lectured me on why I even chose him to be my artist. She kept saying I need to trust my artist. I kept trying to cut it off by saying it’s okay, I’ll look at it tomorrow. But she kept on digging. So I finally asked her nicely, «Is there a problem? I asked you a simple question and it seems like you’re arguing with me?» She said, «You’re asking what if you don’t like it and you haven’t even seen it yet?!» LOL Wow! I said, «What’s wrong with asking a simple question? It doesn’t mean I’m not gonna like it.» It’s a «What if» question! What if I win the lotto?! Doesn’t mean it will happen!
Anyways, we ended the conversation by me telling her it’s fine and that I will be in the next morning.
This broad called me back a few minutes later and told me to come by in the morning to pick up my deposit and that they ask that I never come back to their shop ever again. Un freaking believable!
I was upset and disappointed because I was excited to get my tattoo next week. This girl took it to another level and cancelled my appointment because I asked a simple question. I don’t know if she was PMS’n and took that shit out on me but I was livid! I didn’t argue with her, I said okay because what can I do? She already made up her mind.
I came in the next day. I stood at the counter and she was walking in with Taki and their dogs. She even smiled at me. Taki asked me if there was something he can help me with. I said I’m here to pick up my deposit. Molly came out with this nasty look on her face. Her demeanor changed and she was rude to me. She gave me my deposit back. I told her I wanted to put it towards my BF’s that Taki is going to do in November and she said, «No, Taki’s not doing his tattoo, he doesn’t know Jonathan.» So I asked Taki if I can do that and after mentioning that I know his client he agreed. Molly is a hater!!! So I told her like it is… we exchanged some words in the shop. I told her that she needs to learn some customer service and that she needs some people skills because the way she treated me was so unnecessary. She told me I changed my tattoo from a Mon Mon cat to a crane. I never wanted a Mon Mon cat! She said I put down my artist! I never said anything bad about Horitomo! Why are you lying? How do you run a shop like that? You don’t treat anyone like that. Terrible customer service! I’m an artist too and if someone pays me to do something for them I want to make sure they are 100% satisfied because that’s my work I put into. Molly treated me horribly! I didn’t cuss at her, I never used profanity. But I gave her a piece of my mind. I shouldn’t have even put my deposit on my BF’s tattoo but I figured I’d pay for it for him. But that was ridiculous! Molly not only wasted my time but she wasted Horitomo’s time for drawing up my tattoo for nothing. Horitomo is an awesome artist.
I WAITED OVER A YEAR FOR MY TATTOO APPOINTMENT!!! YOU FREAKING SUCK MOLLY!!!
One bad review can haunt you forever!!!

I have been tattooed by Blake and he was very warm and friendly during all of my sessions. He makes getting tattooed a lot less uncomfortable. I am very pleased with my finished piece of artwork by Blake and am looking forward to my next tattoo by him. State of Grace is one of the best tattoo shops I have ever been tattooed in. I respect all the artists and think they are amazing at their craft. It is a place where ideas and creativity come to life. When you’re serious about adorning your body with images you really want the best artist, this is the place that you come to. I have been treated professionally every time I’ve been there, even for simple consultations or to drop off deposits every staff member has treated me graciously.
I will definitely be back to pet their frenchies!
Thank you Taki and Molly for maintaining such an incredible place In San Jose to get beautiful artwork done.

I called after discovering this shop on Instagram. I was a little surprised, but also not that surprised that a consultation appointment ended up getting scheduled out about a month in advance. I’m assuming it was also due to my preference to meet after work.
When I met Blake, my idea for the tattoo had completely changed. Basically I went from wanting a rabbit in the moon tattoo to just Japanese calligraphy of a proverb. I printed out the saying that I wanted off the Internet but explained I wanted it to have that brush calligraphy look. Blake confirmed it wouldn’t be a problem since they have someone at the shop who can do it. After a $ 100 deposit and I was all set.
The day of the tattoo, I was starting to get nervous as I remembered the pain from my first tattoo and hearing how rib CAGE tats hurt like a @^%&! Blake explained that it would likely not be too bad since it was lettering as opposed to a full spread. I decided to not let the fear get to me and went for it.
Thankfully Blake put up screens for privacy since there were other patrons in the shop also getting work done at the time. His technique was awesome and I feel that if I had returned to the guy who did my first tattoo, I may not have survived!
I’m definitely glad in how things worked out for this and I am already trying to figure out my 3^rd tattoo! I would love to return to State of Grace someday.

I just finished with my second tattoo at State of Grace. Colin hooked me up on my 2^nd tattoo and he was awesome! He worked with me for over a year on planning and designing my tattoo. He is extremely professional and patient. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in getting work done! I am stoked with my tattoo! Thank you Colin!

I’m writing this review for Colin. I found his instagram and immediately emailed him to get the process started. He was fast to respond and available to address all my concerns/​questions. Thanks to him, my first tattoo was a breeze. As for the art itself, it’s so beautiful. I am very happy with my experience here and will be coming back for more.

Let me just say this, I am from Russia and I am a chef. Being a Russian I like everything to be the best, and being a chef I really care what I put on my body. I met Mr. Takahiro Kitamura aka Taki with his wife on Sunday for my first session. I am really glad that I choose him as my tattoo artist. Oh! And I am glad that his wife came from the same industry as me, because this makes Mr. Taki even better, but that’s my opinion. I also bought one of his book’s «Bushido: Legacies of Japanese Tattoos», so I hope to get his autograph next time I come to his shop.

I had the honor of being tattooed by Taki this winter, and I was so impressed with the shop, the artist and the end result.
Taki is extremely popular in the tattoo community, and his intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail warrant a decent wait time. I booked my appointment about four months in advance, to secure the opportunity to be tattooed by Taki.
I knew what kind of design I wanted, and the location on my body, but I wanted Taki to freehand the actual image. He is extremely talented in creating a design in sync to the shape and curves of your body.
I previously had a quote tattooed vertically on my side, and wanted a dragon incorporated with the quote, from the top of my rib cage, down past my hip bone. Taki sketched a rough outline for me, just to illustrate the placement of the tattoo, and made sure I was happy with the size and location. During the session, Taki checked often to make sure I was comfortable and tolerable of the pain.
Two hours later, he completed the outline, and I blown away by the detail and artistry. To be able to create such an intricate image solely off a loose sketch is absolutely amazing.
After several sessions of shading the entire dragon, and completing the details of the cherry blossoms, I had finished my beautiful tattoo.
The staff at State of Grace are so sweet and professional, especially Taki’s wife Molly, and Jennifer at the front desk. All the artists have their unique styles and expertise, so be sure to communicate what you want so you can be tattooed by the best artist for you. The studio is extremely clean and spacious, and decorated with beautiful images of Japanese artwork, monmon cats, and tattoo designs books for your reading pleasure in the waiting area.
Several reviews seem to have issues with the pricing at State of Grace, but you truly need to consider what you’re paying for. If you’re going to have something permanently on your body for the rest of your life, you want to make sure that it is done by a reputable artist. I have known dozens of people who have been tattooed at State of Grace, and not a single person has had a complaint or issue. I would highly recommend State of Grace, and Taki in particular, to anyone who is interested in a traditional Japanese tattoo.
P. S. Follow them on IG — @stateofgracetaki & @stateofgracetattoo for your daily feed of beautiful, traditional japanese tattoos =)

At the beginning of this year in February, my sister & I were walking around Japan town & came upon this place. I knew it sounded familiar so we walked in. Upon walking in, we were greeted immediately & I talked to the front desk lady about a possible tattoo I’ve been wanting.
I wanted finger tattoos, with lettering on one side & zodiac signs on the other. I asked who of the artist here would be the best fit for such a tattoo. She immediately responded Beau. He came up & introduced himself, I explained my tattoo idea. Made my appointment & that’s when a dream came true. He was professional & prepared. The whole experience with him as my tattoo artist was great. He was informative about the longevity of having finger tattoos & cleanliness of the healing process.
I fell in love with my finger tattoos immediately & until this day they’re my favorite tattoos I have. I’m a huge fan of traditional art tattoo style so it was a match made in heaven. I’ve referred people to him & the one friend that did go to him is in awe over his master piece he did on him. He has serious skills. I found out he’d be gone to NY & recently I found out Id be visiting Ny for work. Emailed him & turns out he’d be back at this location for a short period of time when I returned from NY. He books up fast ladies & gents when he’s in town, but he’s 100% worth it! I’m so excited for our next piece. They have a ton of tattoo books in their waiting area that are awesome to look at. This place is predominately Japanese style tattoo artists. Follow their Instagram & they showcase a lot of their work!
Thank you state of grace & thank you Beau!

Many of my friends have gotten tattoos from state of grace. They are so good their schedules are usually booked weeks to months out. I got a tribal lotus on my lower back done by Jill and I have no regrets! I don’t think I’ll go anywhere else for ink.

My friend recommended Blake so I came here to see him. I was very impressed by how professional he was. They have a lovely girl at the front desk who called with a reminder the day before my appointment. Blake did a fantastic job! He was super friendly and down to earth. The shop has a nice comfortable vibe. I’m so happy with my overall experience. I couldn’t ask for more.

Ive got referred to this shop by my friends dad and when I went in I loved Colins style, and decided to go with him. Ive got my side done as well as working on my sleeve now! hes always booked up so make appoinments in advance, very clean and good vibe.
happy with my decision and will conitnure to go to this tattoo shop!

Love the skill level and professionalism here. You’re greeted by their front desk personnel. This place is very sanitary and smells clean. One thing to keep in mind is if you come to give a friend/​significant other moral support, you aren’t allowed in the area where the tattoos take place. You have to sit in the lobby area.
Taki is so talented!!! He is so informative and makes the process of selecting a specific tattoo for you an easy one. Love his artwork!!! Can’t wait to see the finish back piece he’s doing on my husband! It’s coming along beautifully.

I found state of grace on Instagram & I checked out a couple peoples work but the one that caught my attention nd the style was Beaux Brady. He did an AMAZING job doing a cover up of a tatt I didn’t want. I love the Color and lining. He is no longer there but I wanted to write a review because the place is comfortable and everyone there is like if u known them ur whole life. Great ppl there :)

Thank you State of Grace for doing a superb job on my tattoo! I think one of the most important things about a tattoo parlor is how comfortable the artists and the place makes you feel. Because, let’s be real, getting a tattoo is a frightening thing since it hurts a lot and it is on your body permanently. You really don’t want to go to a place that makes you feel the least bit uncomfortable.
To continue from that, I definitely say State of Grace made me feel so at home and not nervous at all. I have to give a shoutout to the artist that worked on me and my friend, Beau. He was very approachable, laid-​back, honest, and very easy to communicate with.
I went with my friend and he did both of our tats. This is my third one and it was the first time for my friend. Beau is really good at scripts so it was perfect that my friend found him because she was getting words along her rib cage. I only got a small symbol on my wrist and I already had my design. My friend didn’t bring a design but just had some ideas of fonts. From her descriptions, Beau definitely drew out the font that my friend was completely satisfied with. In addition, he was very good at recommending where to place the tattoo since me and my friend are tattoo noobs. LOL.
Anyway, both of our sessions were pretty fast. Mine was about 5 – 10 minutes and hers was about 10 – 15 minutes. Seriously the fastest I’ve seen scripts done. He really wasn’t kidding about how expert he was on doing words. We were both very satisfied and despite the speed, nothing was sloppy.
I think this place is more known for its intricate Japanese arts and drawings (dragons, kois, oni, lion, tiger, phoenix, etc. and not the tacky kind either). But definitely works too for first-​timers or those with other tattoo ideas. I saw some really cool native-​american tattoo designs up on Beau’s workstation.
Btw, the base is $ 100 and the rest is added on depending on the amount of time.

The first time I came here was actually just as support for my friend who was looking to get some Japanese characters on her side and she heard that they do really good japanese art/​lettering here.
We came here over the summer on a Wednesday, wasn’t too busy but it is a little hard to find. It is a shop on the second floor with only a small door next to Biscuits and a simple sign to show where it is.
We walked up the steps and it opens up to a open and spacious and clean looking area with the reception desk on the left. You can see people getting tattoo-​ed and artists art hanging at their stations. There are two traditional looking Japanese tatami rooms sectioned off. I believe one is Horitomo’s and another one as well. My friend was actually able to get one of them to write the Japanese characters in calligraphy and got that tattoo-​ed. SO SICK!
We had to come back again in a few days to get the actual tattoo done, the first visit was for the consultation and down payment. I forgot who actually did my friends tattoo but I know it was a girl. My friend definitely recommended that I get my tattoo done here, she said that it was quick and clean and relatively painless.
The third time I visited was just this past weekend with my bestie Sally H. to finally get a consultation for my own ink! (no we did not get matching tattoos lol)
Beau was really awesome, super calm and accommodating. Gave us good suggestions based on his experience but didn’t force it in our face, he understood that in the end it was our body and ultimately we have to like it. He would have stayed later past closing to actually do the tattoos that day but due to personal reasons he could not which was totally understandable.
We scheduled an appointment to get the tattoos that weekend. My friend got a symbol on her wrist, pretty small and only took about 7 minutes tops. I got script on my ribs which I was super nervous about because you know people always tell you ribs hurt the most. He definitely calmed me down and said that it wasn’t as bad as people say and it really wasn’t. SOME PARTS WERE PRETTY SORE NOT GONNA LIE. but overall not as bad as I expected at all. Then again I don’t know how the pain compares to getting tattoos on other parts of your body since this was my first one. The more sore parts Beau made sure I was doing okay and was quick but the result was still amazing!
not sure if I’ll be getting anymore tattoos but if I do, I would definitely come back here.