El Japo
Written By Jose Araujo
All the way from Aguascalientes, Mexico, El Japo was immersed in the neighborhoods of his hometown, where his steps into the world of art kicked off. As a young vato, he was drawn to the rich visual culture around him, especially the Chicano art movement. "I grew up in Mexico, where I started painting murals with a brush, inspired by all the Chicano art," Japo recalls. His early work was heavily influenced by the publication “Teen Angels magazine”, a staple in the Chicano community that he eagerly devoured, thanks to his compas who brought it back after living in California.
Japo’s move to Pomona, California, marked a significant turning point in his life and career. "I lived in Pomona for 8 years," Japo recalls. "Mi mejor amigo Toño me prestó sus papeles para cruzar a USA y su hermano Roberto y su esposa Gaby me cruzaron en el carro. Ellos viven y crecieron en Pomona, y por eso estuve viviendo en ese lugar." It was in Pomona where Japo began to truly immerse himself in the local tattoo scene, laying the foundation for his future success.
The transition to life in the United States wasn’t easy. "My life changed a lot," Japo reflects. "Estar en otro país donde no conoces a nadie, no sabes hablar inglés, no puedes manejar, no tienes papeles, y además había muchos artistas adelante de mí que lo hacían mejor que yo. Mi vida cambió al ritmo de California, trabajando al 300%. " Despite the obstacles, Japo’s determination and passion drove him to push through, adapting to his new surroundings and steadily improving his craft.
Japo’s tattooing journey began as soon as he arrived in California. "I started tattooing as soon as I arrived in 2002 with a homemade machine, tattooing people who knew my friends," he explains. "In 2005, I worked at the indoor swap meet in Pomona and then for a short time at Lowrider Tattoo with José López. The last and best years were at Por Vida Tattoo with my friend and mentor, Tony Salgado, who taught and educated me in tattooing."
Japo's initial interest in tattooing was sparked by the people in his neighborhood. "Seeing people in my barrio tattooed in the '80s really influenced me," he shares. The cultural expressions he witnessed on the streets and among his friends fueled his desire to create, pushing him to explore tattooing as a professional art form. However, transitioning from casual tattooing to becoming a professional artist was not without its challenges. "In the beginning, everyone just wanted a tattoo, and nobody thought of it as a business. Once I started working professionally, it was something else. I was living in LA, and the industry was huge."
One of Japo's favorite aspects of his work is the creative freedom his clients give him. "Right now, it's when my clients let me propose what I enjoy tattooing," he says. This freedom has allowed him to craft a unique style that blends Japanese traditional art with Cholo or Mexican designs—an intersection often misunderstood. "People think mixing Japanese and Cholo or Mexican styles doesn't work, but for me, it’s a natural combination that reflects my journey."
Reflecting on his path, Japo underscores the importance of his cultural roots. "I worked every day to create Mexican Cholo flavor art based on my upbringing," he proudly states. This commitment to his heritage is something he hopes to pass down for future generations to appreciate and build upon.
Japo's journey from the streets of Aguascalientes to the bustling tattoo scene of Los Angeles is a story of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Through his work, he continues to honor the Chicano art movement that first inspired him, while carving out his own unique space in tattooing. As he looks to the future, Japo remains focused on creating art that resonates with his experiences and the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped his life.