Do you like Tattoos? I know I do! I think they are gorgeous pieces of art.
I am horrible at drawing and tattoos always amaze me because I just cannot comprehend how people can create such interesting and colourful pieces.
Tattoos in Japan
Tattoos are found in many cultures, both modern and ancient. And whether you love them or hate them, they are here to stay. You have probably heard that tattoos in Japan are not acceptable, and that it has been this way for many many years. But does that still hold true in this day and age?
Guide Books and Articles Online will tell you that Japanese people associate tattoos with the underworld. But really, I find that this is not always the case.
Attitudes towards Tattoos
The Older Generation
The older generation seem to be more wary of those with tattoos, but not everyone thinks badly of those with ink. Sometimes it seems like the line between it being ok or not is simply a matter of whether the person is Japanese or not.
I guess the equation goes something like this
Local Japanese person with tattoos = Be wary
Foreign looking person with tattoos = Oh that’s their culture. It’s art.
The Younger Generation
While still not as common as in other countries, more and more young people are getting tattoos. I see more and more tattoos peeking out from under short-sleeved t-shirts these days. Some of them even have it on their forearms, and they don’t seem to feel the need to cover up. Of course it is a lot harder to spot in winter, but in summer, it is as clear as day.
You can always tell whether it is meant to be art of not as the ‘art’ ones are usually a combination of individual designs. The ones that have full sleeves are not really there just as art.
What if you are not a local?
Well, first of all, unless you have full face tattoos, the locals will most likely just think you are a tourist. And yeah, as ‘foreign looking person = It’s art’, they might take a second look, but usually that’s about it. I don’t think it sets off any bells.
But hold up. If you are living in Japan, you most likely don’t have a full-face tattoo, so let’s talk about something a little closer to real every day life here.
Working in a company
Whatever company you work for, I’m almost certain that they will expect you to cover up. I have seen some people wear tennis wrist bands, and others wear rash guard type sleeves.
But whatever you choose, just make sure they’re not going to make you itch the whole day! Too thick, itchy. Too tight, itchy. Too scratchy, itchy.
The last thing you want is to be itchy the whole day!
Alternative to wearing something to cover up
If your tattoo is pretty small, you might be able to get away with using body foundation.
Try searching the net using keywords like Tattoo cover up foundation ‘タトゥー隠ファウンデーション’
Studying
It’s pretty much a big no no (as you can imagine), but as long as you can cover it. No big deal. Oh, and by studying I didn’t just mean University students. Even if it is an adult learning facility, you’re expected to cover up.
Onsens (Hot springs)
If you have a tattoo, I’m almost certain you’ve typed something along the lines of “tattoo friendly onsens” and maybe even “where to buy tattoo covers” into your usual search engine.
Unfortunately (or fortunately for some, maybe), many onsens still are not very accepting of those with ink on their bodies. There are so many websites and articles that will tell you the same thing. But luckily, there is also a lot of information on which places are ok with it, and which places aren’t.
Easy solution
Do you have a smallish tattoo? Yes? Lucky you. There are tattoo covers that you can buy. I have never seen them sold in stores. Not sure if it is because I have never kept an eye out for them, but either way, I know that you can order them online.
Try copying and pasting these keywords into your search engine:
- Tattoo ‘タトゥー’
- Cover ‘カバー’
- Cover up ‘目隠し’
- Tattoo Cover up Sheet ‘タトゥー隠しシート’
- Foundation Tape ‘ファウンデーションテープ’
They have a variety of sizes but they all tend to be for smaller tattoos. If yours is bigger than your fist, maybe try the next solution.
Easier solution
Tattoo friendly is a website where you can enter the location and search through their database to find places that are tattoo friendly.
They have information on tattoo friendly onsens, swimming pools, and sentos (public bath houses) among other places.
Tattoo Go is another similar website where you can search based on the area to find tattoo friendly places.
Easiest solution
Honestly, the easiest and most stress-free way is to book a room with a private onsen. They may be more expensive, but you get to soak in there anytime you want and not have to worry about your body art causing anyone discomfort.
Gyms
Of course, there are a multitude of other places like beaches and religious grounds that have rules on tattoos, but those are not places that we would go to on a regular day.
Gyms on the other hand are part of many people’s routines. And if you’re wondering, well most gyms have pretty strict no tattoo rules.
Again, if you can cover it up, do so, if not, either try another gym or maybe try an activity that you can do outside the gym – like running.
Living in Japan with Tattoos
There are some things you can do, and some you can’t, well not the same way you’d be able to do it back home anyways. I guess it all comes down to a gracious compromise, wouldn’t you agree?
Star
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Photo credit: Photo by Airam Dato-on from Pexels