On the way to my appointment today, as I walked through the streets from Chinatown to Little Italy, I passed a couple speaking Italian (at least I think it was), followed immediately by a woman speaking Mandarin Chinese (maybe?) to someone on her phone. It reminded me of something I read, from someone describing what they thought was one of the best things about the U.S. I can't find the source, but it was essentially: You can live in Italy for most of your life and still not be "Italian," but as soon as you move to the U.S., you're an American.
When I got to his studio, Shinji was listening to traditional American music. When I glanced over at his computer, it was playing an "American Primitive" album and/or station; a mix of early gospel, country, bluegrass and blues. The mix later changed to newer country: "Luckenback, Texas" and assorted Johnny Cash. I wondered: if I was doing what he does, and tattooing in Japan, would I be listening to Japanese "roots" music—like Shamisen?
We're almost completely finished the outline. Next visit we finish the lines around my neck and connect my back onto my chest pieces—and start shading.
