Having a Tattoo in Japan

[Nki]

Amazing Tattoo. Looks great... but certain places have rules.
not only in Japan... all around the globe

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Jaydelart

Hypothetically speaking, what if a person were to have a small tattoo ("small" being a few inches in diameter/height/width) in an inconspicuous location like the inner-bicep (armpit area) or ankle. Do they usually do inspections for these kinds of things?

Well if the signs say "No tattoos" and you go in with a tattoo, they aren't going to be too happy about it. The reason is, if they let you in, and somebody sees it and lets the unsavory types know they are letting in people (gaijin no less) with tattoos, it'll be chaos.

[Jaydelart]

Originally Posted by MMM

Well if the signs say "No tattoos" and you go in with a tattoo, they aren't going to be too happy about it. The reason is, if they let you in, and somebody sees it and lets the unsavory types know they are letting in people (gaijin no less) with tattoos, it'll be chaos.

Ah, I understand.

[TalnSG]

Thanks SO much for this topic! While I have to cover the tattoo on my upper arm at work because my supervisor is nuts, I hadn't thought about this when traveling. Guess it's a good thing I planned to visit in the winter when I will be wearing sleeves, and the only time the one on my thigh shoes is in a bathing suit. Guess I needn't bother any visits to hot springs.

[catapillera1]

that is really cool looking !
looks like you take really good care of it 2 !
it's not faded or anything,very very nice !
how long have you had it ?!

[MMM]

Originally Posted by catapillera1

that is really cool looking !
looks like you take really good care of it 2 !
it's not faded or anything,very very nice !
how long have you had it ?!

The original poster hasn't been back in a long time...and he only made one post total.

[kcyk8703]

This is a really good thread. Ive had doubts of leaving my tattoos visable. After reading this, ill be sure to cover them up when i go.

[tommasi]

Originally Posted by MMM

Well if the signs say "No tattoos" and you go in with a tattoo, they aren't going to be too happy about it. The reason is, if they let you in, and somebody sees it and lets the unsavory types know they are letting in people (gaijin no less) with tattoos, it'll be chaos.

Very well said MMM.

I mean I understand some people have difficulties understanding what's up with tattoos in Japan but it's a big deal.

Average people won't be able to tell the difference between irezumi (Japanese word for tattoo) and western tattoos.

So when people see one, they get scared and it's very bad for the business.

Another cultural aspect is that damaging skin or your body parts are considered bad and disrespectful to your parents.

So for the same reasons, piercing was not so popular for long long time in Japan until recently.

[Tsuwabuki]

For a smaller tattoo, the best thing you can do it just cover it up with a water resistant/proof bandage. I know of teachers who do this during summer months when its too hot to wear a full length sleeve. I imagine you can do the same even in a water situation, as no one is going to be crass enough to demand you open a "wound." Just make sure it's resistant or proof, you don't want it coming off in the water!

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki

For a smaller tattoo, the best thing you can do it just cover it up with a water resistant/proof bandage. I know of teachers who do this during summer months when its too hot to wear a full length sleeve. I imagine you can do the same even in a water situation, as no one is going to be crass enough to demand you open a "wound." Just make sure it's resistant or proof, you don't want it coming off in the water!

Very true. But, this wouldn't work for a tattoo like the OP has. People with lots of bandages are not looked upon kindly in ANY public water, anywhere in the world.