'Miami Ink' Star Not Blinded by Fame

BuddyTV - USA - For many, becoming a celebrity means living a more fast-paced and eventful life, but the same cannot be said for Yojiro “Yoji” Harada, a featured tattoo artist on TLC's Miami Ink.  Being stopped in the streets by fans desperate for an autograph has not made Harada more desirous of fame.  In fact, he often shies away from the attention.

“Before he met me, he partied every night,” Bridget, Harada's wife, told AAJA Voices.  “Now, he would prefer to stay home.  A typical family night is going to get sushi, renting a Blockbuster movie, or going to the beach with [our daughter] Sidney.  He likes to keep it simple.”

Yoji Harada, known for his apprenticeship on Miami Ink, said that he has tried to hold on to the lifestyle he had prior to appearing on the popular reality series.

“I'm more focused now and I stayed humble,” Harada said.  “I do need to get a new car, though.  Our '91 Buick is falling apart.”

Before Harada achieved his celebrity status, he was living in New York, trying hard to make a name for himself in the music industry.  While recording his band's CD, he sought refuge at a friend's house, sleeping on the couch.  He met Ami James, co-owner of the tattoo shop featured in Miami Ink, at a tattoo parlor in New York.  James offered Harada a spot on the show's pilot in order to help him and Bridget, who was pregnant at the time.

“If anything ever happens, he's there for me,” Harada said of James.  “All the guys on the show are good friends.  I love all the guys and I have a lot of respect for each of them.”