Job Discussion Forums

[Damd]

Hiya.

It�s recently come to my attention that tattoos are pretty taboo in Japan. But how taboo are they? I have a large tiger on my right shoulder and a yin yang surrounded by the Japanese characters for �justice� �wisdom� �courage� and �willpower� on my left shoulder. While I would of course hide my tattoos while teaching a lesson or whenever I was in a professional situation, would it be prudent for me to hide them in society in general? Like� if I�m taking a shower at my local gym are people going to freak out when they see my tattoos? Or say� it�s a really hot day and I want to wear a tank top, should I worry that my tattoos will offend young and old alike? And the one that�s really weighing heavily on my mind� would seeing my tattoos be a �deal-breaker� in a romantic situation for a Japanese girl?

[Glenski]

I've just come back from the shopping mall where I saw a young Japanese lady (late teens, early 20s) sporting two large tattoos that protruded from under her tank top. So, as far as general public goes, I think you would be safe, although expect stares.

Where you would run into problems would be public baths or hot spring resorts. If you look Asian, they might suspect you are connected to the yakuza. If you don't, they still might hold it against you. Don't really know, but be prepared.

Society in Japan is changing, along with hair color, body piercings, and tattoos.

[JimDunlop2]

I just got back from the beach.. I saw MANY Japanese people with tattoos. As Glenski said, just don't try getting into an onsen (hot spring). Some allow it, but many do not. The signs out front will usually tell you.

Just make sure that your tattoo actually says "justice, wisdom, courage, willpower" and NOT "crazy diarrhea" http://www.hanzismatter.com/2005/02/crazy-diarrhea-legend-continues.html

OR "My abusive husband pimps me out" http://www.hanzismatter.com/2004/12/abusive-husband-pimps-me-out.html

Other than that... Don't worry about it.

[stillnosheep]

No, No. Don't believe them. They're setting you up for a hit.

Tattoos are taboo in Japan for the simple reason that public display of a tattoo is taken as a direct challenege to those sporting 'opposing' body decoration. A little like walking into an Angels' bar wearing Outlaw colours or vice-versa.

And right now the "�justice� �wisdom� �courage� and �willpower�" just don't cut it. At the moment the "'injustice' 'ignorance' 'cowardice' and 'what the hell is that word that means the opposite or willpower? Who gives a monkeys anyaway? I can't be bothered to think about it any more'" are in the ascendency. Displaying your tatts in a public place is liable to get you shot.

And stay away from women. All women. They are all secret agents of the "'injustice' 'ignorance' 'cowardice' and 'what the hell is that word that means the opposite or willpower? Who gives a monkeys anyway? I can't be bothered to think about it any more'" waiting only to stick a knife between your ribs. All of them! All of them I tell you!

[AndyH]

Damd,
I assume you aren't in Japan yet. Where will you be? If you are headed to Tokyo, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Tats are far less accepted here than in Europe or North America, but with the young crowds in Shibuya and Shinjuku, they're pretty hip. If you want to join a health club, however, you'll have some difficulty.

[markle]

I have a Japanese friend that intends to become an apprentice tatooist. Then again Tada always was a bit of a rebel.

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[AndyH]

Good for you, Boz! I guess I'm lucky I don't have any (I was in the tattoo artist's chair once, when I was 20 years old, about to get "US Marine Corps, Death Before Dishonor" with a skull w/ bloody knife in its mouth, before my buddy pulled me out and told me I was too drunk to get a tattoo), because the sports clubs near where I live won't allow them. A co-worker of mine even had to show health club staff his bare arms, shoulders, and legs before they'd let him join.
Do you live in a large urban area like Tokyo, Boz? I'd guess that they're probably more places that allow them there.

[Bozo Yoroshiku]