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.

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.

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.

Well of course not. But I meant no more than like a few inches around.

I know...I was just talking about the OP's case.

pools are fine.. bath houses nope.

i tried

i got my entire back done and they have no tattoo policy which is understandable. i wasnt very disapointed.

i never had problems at water parks or pools though.

Agreed, MMM. The sight of bandage raises worries about contaminating the water, because they would not know what was underneath. The size of the bandage makes no difference. And the only way for someone to know its not an open wound underneath is to disclose its a tattoo, defeating the purpose.

Tattoo ShowOff...!!!...!..!.!!!..!...
 

IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO.. PLEASE SHOW OFF!!!
___________

Hey everyone.. Today i got my first Tatoo...
I just wanted to know what u think about it :)
And i also want to know if u have any tatoos and if it hurt to make..
And if u want to have a tattoo in the future then tell what kind of tattoo u would like :)
I can tell you guys this really hurt to make.. i took 5 hours straight and it was all pain... Its just fucked up making a tatoo on the back bone.

Anyway.. Heres a picture with me and my new tatoo :D

Dude, That is niice!! Good job! What's it say?