I must say I was quite amazed at the huge fan following. People recognized them everywhere they went. What was also comforting was to see them make time to exchange a few words with their fans, pose for photos and sign autographs without the hoity-toity behavior that one usually expects of celebrities.
Yes, they are the cast of Miami Ink, but the show is already off the air in the US. They were recently in Kathmandu to shoot a brand-new show called Worldwide Tribe. After having visited Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, Kathmandu was their last stop in Asia; and as we were to find out later, they had their best time ever in our crazy little city.
For the cast and crew of “Worldwide Tribe,” Kathmandu was full of surprises – from meeting the old tattooed Maharjan women of Kirtipur, interacting with the folk ensemble Kutumba, riding with the Himalayan Enfielders to Nagarkot, witnessing the animal sacrifice at Dakshinkali, watching bodies being cremated at Pashupatinath, seeing a funeral procession, sharing drinks with a shaman (and eventually downing 49 shots of whiskey in one night), meeting tattoo artist and die-hard fan Mohan, and a barrage of Kathmandu boys showing off their tattoos to getting themselves tattooed in a monastery.
Speaking of which, we, the “locals,” weren’t short of a few surprises ourselves. The spontaneity of reality shows can be extremely frustrating. Everything is up in the air till the last moment, but the transition from chaos to harmony would take a split second, and everything henceforth would be like clockwork. At times, cultural differences and limitations would pose problems, leaving both worlds aggravated. However, we would quickly make peace, join the dots and come to a consensus. There’s no other way.
On location, as “Production Assistant,” it took me a while to get used to getting “releases” from every person who the cast spoke to, or vice versa. Explaining the reason for these releases took long. Some would hold back momentarily or sign reluctantly even though a minute ago they had no qualms meeting the cast and talking to them. If a person is on camera, you need a release, according to the strict orders. There were all kinds of releases – appearance release, location release, artwork release, product logo release, getting a tattoo release, security release, and music release. Eventually, I wanted to be released.
Thinking back, I enjoyed every minute of every day. Just one thing – if you’re camera-shy, stay away because when it comes to reality TV, the world is a stage, literally. The camera is rolling and it’s always Showtime! remember for a long time.”
Yanik Shreshta
Yanik Shrestha, the Local Fixer
“I’ve been a fan of Miami Ink ever since the show aired on Travel & Living. However, take note that we are 66 episodes late! But that’s not the point. The point is they were in Kathmandu and I was their local fixer! It still feels unreal that they were here for a week and now gone. But what a week it was!
My favorite among the three is Yoji Harada who has an ultra cool persona, is culturally curious, and always game for a travel battle. A man who’s gone through some hardships, he says he’s finally found a sort of balance.
Ami James, the magic behind the kois, dragons and Japanese art, comes from an interesting background. A second-generation Israeli, he moved to Miami after serving in the army for two years as a teenager. His first tattoos can be found inked on the skins of sailors. At first, he seems reserved, which he is, but as he gets to know you, he loosens up. I wish I got to spend more time with him, but instead I went nuts taking orders and dealing with the professionals. Nevertheless, Ami is a great man and an even greater artist. I still want a huge spread on my skin from his artistic flow.
Last but not the least, Chris Nunez, a man of many needs, talents, curiosities, and a celebrity who is “single and extremely ready to mingle”! One day, I happened to be in the ‘cast’ van. We got stuck in traffic, so a conversation began. This is when I came to know that Chris is a second-generation Cuban living in Miami. He went through some very difficult times, in his family as well as living the life of an immigrant. This guy is an amazing artist, slow but super accurate, and his designs are intricate, just like a spider’s web.
If you’re thinking two’s a party and three’s a crowd, think again. When it comes to the Miami Ink trio, they make the PARTY! A once-in-a-lifetime experience, I’ll always cherish it, and I have a tattoo to prove it!”
Yanik Shreshta
Gaurav Chettri, Production Assistant
“Sunday, June 24 wasn’t a usual day for me. I was absolutely ecstatic and a bit anxious too as I made my way to Hotel Yak & Yeti. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, since I’d only seen them on TV. Getting the opportunity to work and hang out with the stars was pretty much a dream come true.
The first day was a bit weird because of all the excitement and uncertainty with having to work on a reality show where everything was kind of spontaneous. We had to be alert at all times. With each passing day, though, work seemed to get easier. And one thing is for sure – they were out to do their best and capture what would make epic television.
Work aside, they all turned out to be nice, interesting people. I had a fabulous experience working with the cast and crew with many memories.
Former Miami Ink boys were here!
Yojiro “Yoji” Harada: The apprentice in the show, Yoji is a native of Tokyo and is covered in ink, some of which is done by the Ink crew. In his native city, having a full-sleeve tats is a sign of the Yakuza gang. So when he goes home, he is feared and respected. But in Miami he’s the lowest guy on the totem pole. He mops up, gets coffee, just a part of the process of earning your stripes as a master. The 32 year old lived in Japan until he was 24 and performed his first tattoo on himself. He is also the lead singer of a punk rock band.
Chris Nunez: The ladies’ man is of Cuban descent and lew up in Miami. He entered the realm of tattooing after beginning his career as a graffiti artist. Now 32, Chris is a globetrotter. He was in Brazil for five years and travelled through Europe for two years, enabling him to work with all of his favorite tattoo artists, expanding his artistic sense and his knowledge of tattooing. He tattooed his parent’s name when he was 16, his first tattoo. He like to party and have a good time.
Ami James: Ami James is the tough guy. He has sharp tongue and hot temper. Born in Israel, Ami at 33 is single and has been living in Miami since 12. Ami got his first professional tattoo at age 15 - a dragon. Eighteen years later, he still has a passion for ink, his body is a canvas of tattoos. Ami began tattooing at 20 years old, starting out of his house, and soon became an apprentice, learning the art of his trade. Ami loves cars, painting and free-style fighting.
-1200x560-1779450784.webp)
