Tattoo Stigma in Japanese Society
 

I'd like to get an honest opinion on tattoo culture in Japan from Japanese people and/or foreigners (or at least people who know what they're talking about) who have tattoos and live in Japan.

I am well aware of the social limitations and barriers against people with tattoos in Japan. Many foreigners who have tattoos and have been refused service in onsen, public baths, amusement parks or swimming pools often complain and argue that it is a direct violation of the rights listed in the Japanese constitution. It's no secret that the stereotype is that all tattooed people in Japan are yakuza. However, I respect and understand the paradox as Japanese believe in maintaining the status quo, stability and benefit of the group over the individual. Therefore, I will respect the rules of any business that sees the preservation of its reputation as more important that individual expression. As to whether or not I think it's logical or realistic, that's another issue.

Here's the story: I am Japanese-Canadian that has only been on vacation once to Japan when I was young but will begin a full time job in Japan soon. I have a tattoo that covers my upper back and, coincidentally, contains many symbols or images that could be considered 'traditional yakuza' symbols such as waves, kanji and other traditional Chinese-inspired art. Some of you may be saying I'm just asking for it, but to put it short, the meaning behind that tattoo is important to me as a symbol of freedom and rite of passage instead of marking loyalty to any particular group. Therefore, my situation is different from people, for example, such as a Black US Marine in Okinawa who has tattoos; I am not an obvious gaijin.

Now to the point: After reading up on and asking people first-hand on the tattoo stigma in Japanese society, I would like to reach out to a broader group for experiences regarding this topic. How troublesome is having a tattoo in Japan in your daily routines and what are the reactions you get? I love baths and hot springs as well so are there any places you know that have a relaxed tattoo policy (eg. if I somehow cover it up with tape) that are not yakuza hang-outs in the Kansai area? Do you feel like the attitude of Japanese towards tattoos is changing enough for public display (I don't wanna scare away little kids if I'm wearing a beater in the summer heat)?

I'd like to thank anyone who took the time to understand my situation and offer supportive, realistic and helpful input.

Unfortunately things won't change anytime soon...

People would get scared but if you are non-Asian looking, people would be easy on you but still you would be rejected from public bath, hot springs, and pools.

That's just how it is and if you have someone Japanese in your family, he/she should have taught you how tattoos are viewed in Japan.

I see some people with tattoos not irezumi (word in Japanese that is often differentiated from tattoo) but I don't get them anyways cos having a small tattoo would limit your options.

For the businesses, it's bad to accept you cos if they do, that means now Yakuzas would claim that they should be allowed as well and it's gonna be chaotic as you can imagine.

Hmm, they can easily spot a gaijin. I am Canadian Chinese myself, I have the same feature and skin tone as any other Japanese, while I speak the language they were still able to spot me as a gaijin from miles away, so I don't know what you mean that you are not an obvious gaijin, but if that is the case, then you really are out of luck....

They are more lenient with a tatooed gaijin, some bath may actually let you enter, but probably not the onsen....

good luck, I am sure you will be able to find a public bath that lets you in, but it will not be easy.

The no tattoo policy is not anti-tattoo, but anti-Yakuza. They can't say "No yakuza" so that's how they get around it.

If they let you in, then they have to let them in. So don't expect leniency.

Yakuza tattoos are so interesting though. I wish I could find one of their tattoo artists for some ink for my body. :]

i've heard about how in japan, tattoo = yakuza from my dad.
however, today most jrock musicians have tattoos, and they are well respected, loved and admired. i think that because of this, the tattoo = yakuza thought is slowly diminishing as japan is getting more .. radical [?]. i mean, having piercings was really rare in japan before, but now people are getting them all over their face and bodies. just look at harajuku and you can see japan's culture change from being conservative to liberal. dyed hair, plastic surgery, etc.
i may be wrong, though. because my dad insists that the jrockers' tattoos must be temporary [uhm doubt it though.] but i think he's just old fashioned.

This is a sign from an onsen that basically says "Tattooed people, intoxicated people and gangsters will be refused service."

I hade friends and students in the Japan country side who said the other foriegn teacher, although friendly, were scary because of thier tattoos.

Don't mix pop stars with yakuzas.

Only reason why they can keep their tattoos are because they are famous.

That's it.

Famous people get away with many things everywhere you are in the world and it is also true in Japan as well.

I'm gonna give it to people straight.

Don't get tattoos if you want to come to Japan.

Or if you already have one, then you are out of luck.

It's not like they will deny you entry into Japan...

...so if you don't care about onsens and bathing in public, get those tattoos if ye want.