The rookie. Yoji began as the shop’s apprentice — a role that is a combination of pledge in the roughest fraternity and the opening and closing crew. Though his apprenticeship is not over, he is now tattooing full time and mastering his skills so that he can hold his own as an artist.

A native of Tokyo, Yoji is covered in ink (some of which was done by the Miami Ink crew). Though the guys have given him grief for over a year, they love and protect him like a brother.

Yoji is 33 and lives with his young wife and infant daughter, Sydney. He lived in Japan until he was 24. At age 19, he performed his first tattoo. He tattooed his Japanese girlfriend’s name on himself. He is also the lead singer of a punk rock band.

Up Close Photos Yoji showed us a serious but still playful side. Check out the photos.

The Yoji Files Find out what it takes to be an apprentice at Miami Ink.

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