I currently have two tattoo’s.  My first tattoo I got when I was 18, it was kind of a rash decision.  I knew I wanted a tattoo but didn’t know what I wanted.  I regret that tattoo because it doesn’t have any meaning to it.  The second tattoo was done by a friend in the mainland, he did a great job!  I had him tattoo a samurai on my leg.  I understand the stigma behind the tattoo’s in Japanese culture but I love them.  It’s a form of self-expression.  I would love to get a full bodied “Horimono tattoo” , not because I’m a gangster or anything like that, but simply it’s my heritage!  It’s Japanese art at it’s finest.  I think when you look at a tattoo it grabs you draws you in.  It’s beautiful and you can’t take your eyes away.  I would love to get that Horimono tattoo done in Japan but it just wouldn’t be practical.  The cost would be too great.  I would really love to get it done in the old fashion, but no one in Hawaii does this.  Maybe one day I will take this leap.