Frequently Asked Questions

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Hachiko tattoo is the private studio of me, Mark Harada.  I have been tattooing since 1996, predominantly in the NYC metro area.  After working in Manhattan from 2006-2023, including a stint owning world famous NYHC Tattoos I decided it was time to slow down and simplify.  I chose Hoboken because of its close proximity to to NYC and to where I live with my family.

No, I don't do piercings. Just tattoos.  I apologize for Google's lack of diversity in it's categories which lumps together tatttooing and piercing and cannot be separated.

Please find my booking form on my site.  Fill out the form and I will contact you as soon as possible.  I try to promptly respond to all inquiries but I’m a one man show so please be patient.

Big or small, I do them all but I prefer you come in for an in-person consultation for any large (multi session) projects.  During the consult we can discuss the concept for your tattoo.  We can discuss pricing and scheduling appointments at that point and I will collect the deposit.

If you feel more comfortable I am available for a no obligation consultation for any size or type of piece.

Yes, I require a non-refundable deposit. In addition to reserving the time for the appointment, I often work for hours on designs  before the needle touches your skin, a deposit is good faith money which shows that we’re both committed to this tattoo project. For this reason I require a deposit for all appointments payable by cash or Zelle. (info@hachikotattoo.com). 

-$100 for small tattoos. 

-$200 for large and multi session pieces.

The Zelle account will show up as “Purple Eagle Tattoo Company”.  That’s me.

The deposit is subtracted from the ultimate cost of the tattoo, usually the last session.  It is forfeit if you no-show, cancel without 24 hrs notice, are more than 1/2 hr late, if you change the subject of the tattoo that I’ve designed or request more than 2 major revisions.  Of course stuff happens so I try to be understanding and flexible. As always, communication is key.

Yes, my minimum charge for a tattoo is $150.  This means the cost of a tattoo of any size, style or placement will start at that price.

For large pieces or multiple session work my rate is $250/hour.

I generally don’t give out quotes.

However for smaller designs/one session pieces I can give an estimate based on several factors including tattoo time, placement and amount of preparation required.  The accuracy of this estimate is based on the level of the details I’m given.

I do not offering any numbing creams at my studio. In my opinion the trade-off of MAYBE experiencing less pain is not worth the potential problems that arise from using them. I have found that they only are affective 50-60% of the time, the numbness is relatively short lived and when the sensation returns the skin becomes more sensitive. In addition to that, every once in while it can cause the tattoo to heal very slowly and  poorly. If the client chooses to purchase their own product and use it, I have a few requests: 

1. YOU MUST TELL ME- in terms of tattooing, we should have no secrets!

2. Applying the cream should be done 1-2 hours before your appointment time not when you arrive for your appointment.

3. I will not be held responsible for any adverse reactions or effects that may occur to your tattoo, how long it takes to heal, color dropping out or inconsistencies in areas.

Failure to heed the above could result in not getting tattooed.

On top of all that, you are potentially making a decision that could affect your health!

Hachiko was a Akita dog in the 1920s and 30s Tokyo.  In a now famous story, Hachiko accompanied his master to the train station everyday on his way to work and met him afterwards when he came back.  Sadly, while at work his owner died unexpectedly and for the next 10+ years Hachiko appeared at the train station every day, displaying an unearthly level of loyalty to his beloved master.  To this day there is a statue of Hachiko located at the now ”busiest intersection in the world”, Shibuya station.  Growing up I always admired this quality of loyalty. By naming my studio "Hachiko" I honor the story and declare that loyalty is a virtue that I strive for in my life.