Job Discussion Forums

[Vince]

You'd think that people would understand that a Japanese guy's full-back tattoo with dragons and carp obviously differs from the Tasmanian Devil on a foreigner's calf. But, as in every country, people have their associations. The few people who gave the obligatory "ehhh" when seeing my tattoo (a small gothic-looking cross that I now want to have removed or covered up) were okay as soon as I explained its meaning and that tattoos didn't have the same association in the West. As with so many other things, they just need some exposure.

I once saw a great example of exposure from a foreigner in Shinjuku with a shaved head and hot-rod flames tattood on the sides.

[gaijinalways]

I agree with you, tattoos often represent many different things. I'm still waiting for a Maori to join my sport club (or should I say try to join). I would think if the religious aspects (or spiritual if you prefer) of the tattoos were expained, the club would allow them.

[iverin]

thanks guys, this has turned into an interesting topic. I love my tattoo (although it is slightly closer to the front of my leg than actually on the ankle.....something obviously non-changeable so I've just gotten used to it) which is a 3 leaf clover with an eternity-ish symbol around/behind it and it basically means eternal luck. I've had some things in my life happen that I truly believe were lucky and so it has significant meaning to me. I've had a few people ask what it means (I have an Irish first and last name so people always assume that I'm harkening back to some nostalgic memory of the green isle even though I've never been there nor have any proof that I have any irish blood in me....just stories saying that I have family from there) and I have to explain it and they get it then. Other people just kind of shrug and think "to each their own".
Luckily mine is easily hidden which a bandaid if I chose to wear a skirt to work, or pants obviously, esp since I'm arriving in November. So it was really more of a general question of walking down the street, riding the train, grocery shopping, hitting the gym (with a bandaid on of course) etc type of question.

Thanks for all the responses though. The time before I leave has been quickly dwindling. When I first started counting I had like 157 days and now I'm down to 66. Only two months to go!

[markle]

Actually just yesterday I was in the supermarket and there was a Japanese woman late 20s/ early 30s wearing an open back dress which was covered by a pheonix tattoo. At first I though she might be Brazilian (many have tattoo here) but I'm pretty sure she wasn't, didn't strike me as a gangster moll either. Far as I could tell no-one batted an eyelid, certainly weren't throwing rocks at her.

[Vince]

On the train, I once saw a woman in her 20's with full sleeves. Aside from the tattoos, she looked a bit on the rough side. She had a baby with her, and a few women were looking at the baby with an expression of panic as if they feared for the baby's welfare.

[gaijinalways]