For this new collaboration between ProyectoRuelasMexicali and TacticalGeek, I wanted to start from a very specific reference: a print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi depicting a samurai standing alongside a dog.
What has always drawn me to Kuniyoshi’s work is the energy behind his compositions. His prints feel alive — full of tension, movement, and personality. In this particular piece, the dog carries as much presence as the warrior himself, and that immediately connected with the reason why I’ve spent years designing for ProyectoRuelasMexicali.
The work they do rescuing stray dogs — feeding, caring for, rehabilitating, and helping them find families — has always felt like a cause worth supporting. Since the very first original design, including reinterpretations of the RuelasTools logo, patches, bandanas, shirts, and hoodies, every collaboration has been my way of contributing to that mission through visual work.
This project also marks our third patch collaboration with TacticalGeek. Through previous Horimukade collaborations, we had already developed a shared visual language inspired by Japanese graphics adapted into tactical patch design. TacticalGeek also supports dog-related charitable causes, so this collaboration naturally aligned from both sides.
For this reinterpretation, I incorporated references to Santa Muerte through the skull and scythe, while adding a sunset in the background as a reference to the heat and atmosphere of Mexico, where Ruelas carries out its work every day.
The original ProyectoRuelasMexicali designs lean more toward an engraved, linework-heavy style. For this collaboration with TacticalGeek, I wanted to stay visually consistent with our previous patches by adapting the artwork into something bolder and more suitable for embroidery: thicker lines, stronger contrast, and warmer colors.
The goal was to preserve the intensity and movement of the original Japanese reference while introducing a warmer visual tone through color and composition.
There is also something symbolic about the dog itself within the artwork. Beyond aesthetics, it represents the entire reason behind the collaboration.
“Iustus curat animas iumentorum suorum.”
“The righteous care for the lives of their animals.”
— Book of Proverbs 12:10
Historically, this verse speaks about compassion as an essential part of justice — extending not only toward people, but also toward animals and vulnerable beings. That idea strongly reflects what ProyectoRuelasMexicali has been doing for years.
In the end, this patch became a combination of many influences that have shaped my work over time: Japanese printmaking, tactical aesthetics, border culture, Mexican symbolism, and respect for those who dedicate real effort to helping animals that are often ignored.
About the Horimukade × Tactical Geek – BG31 Patches
This patch is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, each accompanied by an exclusive birth card.
- 50 patches will be available for purchase on TacticalGeek, with all profits going to support @proyectoruelasmexicali and their work rescuing and caring for stray cats and dogs 🐱🐶.
- The other 50 patches will be directly given to @proyectoruelasmexicali, who will use them to raise funds for their charitable work.
