Yoji Harada the Miami Ink Legend Dies and Can Never Be Replaced

The world is in mourning and disbelief by the sudden death on March 26, 2019, one of the best tattoo artists, the Japanese born Yoji Harada at age 46. At this time, his cause of death has not been released.

Born in Tokyo, Japan on August 6, 1972, the Japanese superstar was meant for greatness.

Harada left his home country and moved to the United States in the ’90s settling in Chicago. During that time he began dating Bonnie Minkus who he would eventually marry. The couple would subsequently divorce in 2003.

After giving himself at age 19 a tattoo of his girlfriend at the time, he became hooked. Moving to Miami, he apprenticed for five years and started working at Love-Hate Tattoos.

While there, his life was about to change. Harada was cast in the hit television show “Miami Vice,” and he became show business royalty the United States and across the sea into Japan, helping to bring the world of tattoos into the mainstream.

Harada also appeared in one movie in 2001 named “Suicide Club.” The Japanse release was about a detective who investigated several suicides in Japan.

After Harada’s only child was born in 2005, daughter Sydney, he opened “Ruthless & Toothless” a store that sold clothing for children with fellow tattoo artist Darren Brass.  Later “Miami Ink”  cast members James Hamilton and  Chris Garver joined them. All felt there was a need for more stylish baby clothing.

Lucky Clover Tattoo posted on social media saying how everybody was sad that Harada had died. They had a great time when he was there recently. The store wishes everybody strength.

Funeral arrangements or memorial service have not been announced.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

Monsters and Critics: Yoji Harada death: Tattoo Artist and Miami Ink star dead at 46
Inked: MIAMI INK’S YOJI HARADA PASSES AWAY
Coed: Famed Tattoo Artist Yoji Harada Dies At Age 46

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