[NanteNa]

I'd say let the guy do as he pleases. If he feels for the tattoo of shi, then let him do it? Being judgmental won't get anyone anywhere.

I wanted that sign in particular tattooed, but I had second thoughts. I'm a pretty rebelious person and really don't give a monkey's behind for what other people think about my potential tattoos. I just didn't want to look back and see that I have the sign of death on my body - just because I had a rough period.

I don't think he should let the 'Japanese' decide by tradition whether he should get the tattoo either. It wouldn't symbolize 'death' as something unclean and evil. It would symbolize the death of a person dear to him. Besides, I doubt that an entire population would hate on HIM exactly for doing that. I have a feeling that not ALL Japanese people would get offended. One's body is one's own matter. It's not up to anyone else what you want to do with/to it.