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Few tattoo artists in the world bridge ancient symbolism and modern design as seamlessly as Dillon Forte. (Read two previous interviews with Dillon right here.) Known globally for his sacred geometry, blackwork, and dotwork style of art, Forte recently completed a nearly month-long trip to Japan, along with a rare guest stop at the legendary Three Tides Tattoo in Tokyo. The opportunity placed him inside one of Japan’s most respected studios, a shop with deep cultural roots and international influence. For Dillon, the residency was not only a chance to connect with a new community of clients but also an opportunity to work inside a space that has shaped modern tattooing across continents.
Beyond the studio, Forte spent his month in Japan immersing himself in the country’s landscapes, temples, craft traditions, and design philosophies, experiences that naturally inspire his work. From observing the precision of traditional artisans to studying architectural symmetry and the intentional flow found in Japanese gardens, he found a deep resonance between Japan’s cultural devotion to detail and his own artistic ethos. Each region he explored revealed new layers of meaning in pattern, balance, and negative space, reinforcing his belief that art is a bridge between cultures. This journey not only enriched his creative practice but also laid the groundwork for future cross-cultural collaborations that continue to shape his evolution as an artist.
Three Tides Tattoo holds an almost mythic status in the tattoo world. As one of the first Western-style public tattoo shops in Japan, the studio helped usher in an era where both Japanese carving traditions and Western approaches could exist side by side. Their artists, including names like Mutsuo, have built a reputation for innovation while honouring history. With locations in both Tokyo and Osaka, Three Tides draws clients from all over the world and can be compared to iconic Western studios like Bang Bang Tattoo for its level of cultural influence. The Tokyo shop, located within reach of regions like Harajuku, Shibuya, Omotesando, and Shinjuku, became Forte’s creative home during its stay.
During the multi-day stay, Forte worked with a diverse range of clients. Some were local to Tokyo, drawn by his rare visit and his reputation for detailed, meditative work. Others travelled from afar specifically to be tattooed by him in this historic environment. Each appointment explored themes rooted in sacred geometry, balance, and symmetry, with Forte designing patterns that flowed with the natural form of the body. His approach resonated deeply with clients who sought pieces that were more than ornamental, instead choosing tattoos that expressed intention, connectedness, and personal meaning.
The residency also gave Forte a unique window into Tokyo’s creative landscape. Working alongside the artists at Three Tides pushed him to explore new ideas while also sharing his own modern techniques. The exchange reinforced why Three Tides remains a global destination for tattoo culture.
Though images from the residency have not been shared publicly until now with V13, this exclusive look offers a glimpse into a rare collaboration between one of the world’s leading sacred geometry artists and one of Japan’s most respected tattoo institutions. Dillon Forte’s time at Three Tides stands as a powerful moment in his ongoing creative journey, and one that further cements his role as a leading voice in contemporary tattoo art.
For those who don’t know you, how did you get started in tattooing?
Dillon Forte: “I got into art and drawing in my late teens while living in Northern California. I used to hang out at a local skate shop, and a tattoo shop happened to be a few doors down. One thing led to another, and I ended up getting an apprenticeship there. I fell in love with the idea of creating art that lived and breathed with the person wearing it. In my early 20s, I became fascinated by symbolism, geometry, and sacred art forms from different cultures, and tattooing became the perfect platform to bring those ideas to life. After a couple of years of tattooing, I knew this was the path for me. It felt like a career where art, intention, and human connection came together in a way nothing else ever had.”
What inspires you for your tattoo designs?
“Most of my inspiration comes from sacred geometry, nature, architecture, and the patterns found everywhere from ancient temples to microscopic structures. I’m drawn to designs that feel balanced and intentional, and I always try to create pieces that flow seamlessly with the body. Travel is also a major influence, as every culture has its own relationship with pattern, symbolism, and spiritual art. All of that feeds into how I approach each tattoo.”
How did this guest residency with Three Tides come about?
“Three Tides has been on my radar for years as one of the most iconic tattoo studios in Japan. I’ve travelled to Japan and Tokyo many times and always loved visiting the shop and getting to know the people who run it. We’d been in contact about the possibility of a guest spot, and once the timing aligned, it made sense to turn it into a short residency. They’re known for blending Japanese tradition with modern tattooing, and working there felt like a natural creative fit. It’s one of those opportunities you make happen when the energy and timing are right.”
What are some things you love about Japan and Tokyo as a region?
“Japan has a deep respect for craft and detail that I really connect with. Tokyo is an incredible mix of tradition and futurism, where centuries-old temples sit next to cutting-edge architecture. I love how intentional everyday life feels, from the food to the design to the way people approach their work. There’s a calmness within the city’s energy that I haven’t found anywhere else. Everything is so efficient, the people are amazing, and just outside the city are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. One day I was tattooing, and the next I was snapping photos of Mt. Fuji to share with friends and family back home.”
How many clients did you tattoo while at Three Tides, and what was one of your favourite pieces?
“During the stay, I only worked with a few clients and ended up tattooing several multi-hour pieces. Anyone with large-scale tattoos knows this work can take days, weeks, or even months, so it wasn’t tons of clients; some pieces were finished while I was there, and others will be completed when I’m back, hopefully in early 2026.
“One of my favourite tattoos was a geometric piece with flowing patterns inspired by sacred geometry and Japanese symmetry. I designed it with my new Sacred Geometry Drawing app for iPad, and it felt like the perfect blend of my style and the environment I was working in.”
Where do you feel the biggest tech advances are coming from in tattooing compared to a decade or two ago?
“The biggest advances are happening in equipment, machine design, needle manufacturing, and biodegradable products that make the process cleaner and more sustainable. I use wireless machines, improved power systems, advanced cartridges, and eco-friendly accessories that give artists more precision and flexibility than ever before. Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, everything is more consistent, reliable, and often biodegradable, which is a major focus of my Forte Tattoo Tech line. On the digital side, artists now have access to powerful design tools on computers, iPads, and Wacom tablets that help them create and collaborate with clients more efficiently.”
What’s next for Dillon Forte?
“Right now, I’m focused on continuing to travel, taking on select residencies, and working on new geometric pieces that challenge me creatively. I’m also getting ready to open my new studio outside Austin and developing new additions to my Forte Tattoo Tech line to help push the industry forward.
“At the same time, I’m planning future conventions and guest spots and exploring new directions in my art outside of tattooing, including painting and design. I can never sit still creatively; if I’m not working on a tattoo, I’m creating something to grow my business or express myself. I’m grateful for a lifestyle that brings my family and friends together and feels like an ongoing adventure with something new almost every day.”
AloJapan.com