Tattoo

[redline]

Thanks guys this is really helpful, I appreciate it .

[godwine]

Originally Posted by redline

Thanks guys this is really helpful, I appreciate it .

Other locals best answer this, but while onsen is probably a NO, you may have some luck with public bath, which is "onsen like"....

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by GTJ

Like, if he walks in and says something like, "あの、入っていいですか？", they'll say no?

I think its more if you ask if tattoos are okay, they'll respond with 'no'.

Although the gym I went to while I was there just asked me to cover it up. Then again, a gym is not a bath house.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by GTJ

Like, if he walks in and says something like, "あの、入っていいですか？", they'll say no?

That's exactly what I mean.

I remember reading here someone saying they wanted to take pictures inside a store. There were no rules against taking pictures in the store, but if you ask the default answer will be "no". He asked, and the answer was "no".

[GTJ]

Originally Posted by MMM

That's exactly what I mean.

I remember reading here someone saying they wanted to take pictures inside a store. There were no rules against taking pictures in the store, but if you ask the default answer will be "no". He asked, and the answer was "no".

Wow, I didn't know that. I'll keep that in mind next time I want to do something I'm not sure about!

edit: that sounds bad in retrospect, but nonetheless thank you for the info

[TalnSG]

Originally Posted by Tenchu

On the other hand, Japanese who cannot come to terms with the innocent concept of foreigners getting tattoos are culturally insensitive d***s, and deserve to have it rubbed in.

I'd say just be yourself, wear what you want.

Oh, great, yeah just recommend that someone further the stereotype of the offensive foreigner.

Actually there are places in the U.S. where displaying a tattoo is unacceptable and will get you barred from entering. Stupid, but legal. Most of the time its employees of large companies that discover this the hardway.
(about to bare my inked arm while the boss is out! )

[Polar]

Originally Posted by GTJ

Wow, I didn't know that. I'll keep that in mind next time I want to do something I'm not sure about!

edit: that sounds bad in retrospect, but nonetheless thank you for the info

That was me

Honestly I had no problem with it not really all that much to take pics of unless you were into giant Gundam figures anyways

I was told in english upon walking into Prada in Shibuya "No photos please"

If stores were packed maybe I would have tried something, Tokyu Hands had no issues nor did the HMV.

Video game stores and arcades are very different story.

Back on topic, the only Japanese walking around with sleeve tats are Yakuza hence the "No tattos" signs

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by TalnSG

Oh, great, yeah just recommend that someone further the stereotype of the offensive foreigner.

I'm sorry; what?

I think the sterio-type here is ignorant Japanese, not offensive foreigner.

I mean, some things are to be respected; I never used to take my shoes off to enter a house in Australia, but you must do it in Thailand. But there can be a point where demands of a country can really go overboard and start to be a bit offensive in themself.

I've got lots of tattoos. They're not intended to offend. Actually, I've two pieces of writing which are English translations of Japanese sayings, and also two symbols which are based on Japanese concepts... and they'd be offended? That's pretty arrogant.

It's like Muslim countries telling men they must grow beards, or women must cover their head, even if you're not Muslim; it isn't very positive or accepting.

If Japanese are offended by basic Western standards, it isn't our fault, and we don't have to change for them.

People should come as they are in a free country; not come as how you're told.

Actually, I'd say it's about the equivalent of the French public schools telling Muslim girls they could not wear their head scarf because it violates school uniform; it's just plain rude.

[Polar]

To expect another culture and/or country conform to you is pretty arrogant.

It has nothing to do with ignorance.

[MMM]

Tenchu lives in Thailand and is in the "If you can't join 'em, then beat 'em" mode. If he doesn't like something about the culture, or doesn't want to conform with it, then the country has to do it his way. Why? Because they are idiots.

It is a pretty common reaction, especially for non-speakers of the native tongue. I saw it quite a bit in foreigner in Japan who after a certain amount of time come to detest their "host country" and start drinking and complaining a lot.

There is little that can be said here to change their minds.