Japan: A Love and Hate Story

Japan has a love-hate relationship with tattoos. Tattoos were worn as a status symbol and also identified criminals.  The insertion of ink is known as “Irezumi” and it often has negative connotations associated with this word because of its use with punishing criminals. The definition of Irezumi is “the insertion of ink”.  The tattoos that are associated with the criminal aspect of tattooing were bands around the arms or legs and also certain characters. Tattooing the face was also common for criminals, usually the Japanese character for dog was used. This association with criminals was deeply cemented when the yakuza clan (a criminal empire much like mobsters) decorated their bodies with intricate designs that went from head to toe. Just by simply rolling up their sleeves, these gangsters would strike fear into anyone who saw even a small portion of their tattoos.  Because of this stigma, even in the modern age, tattoos are frowned upon in Japan. Many bath houses in Japan will not let you use their facilities if you have a tattoo, even though you might not be Japanese. Irezumi is a traditional Japanese art. Oukoshisei regards tattooing as an art form, expressing the greatness and the beauty of tattoos.

                              Tattoos used by the government to brand criminals.

Despite the negativity associated with tattoos in the Japanese culture, a lot of people still get tattooed. In Japan you never know who is tattooed and who is not, because the way the tattoos are on their bodies. Businessmen and thugs alike get tattooed, enduring hours upon hours of pain only to keep them covered up. I think this has to do with the Japanese way of aesthetics, for example the fine suits that are made in Japan have a silk lining that is almost never exposed but so much detail and attention is put into it, they are just beautiful. Designs of deities, mythological creatures, mythical heroes and flowers are the main focal point of Japanese tattooing. Oukoshisei is the term used to describe tattooing as a form of art, many artists in Japan have strived to make tattooing in Japan more acceptable. Horiyoshi III is in the frontlines of trying to make tattooing more acceptable in today’s world. He is a world renowned artist who has broken into the fashion world as well. He is a prime example of a master of the arts. 

Just recently in Japan there has been a surge of “American” style tattoo shops. Tattoos were usually done in a quiet one on one environment and usually no signs were hung that even indicated that the place housed a master tattooer. In contrast the American style tattoo shops have big signs, usually has music blaring in the background and people come and go. The new tattoo shops are run by a generation who embraces individuality and style (going against the “traditional” ways of Japanese living).  Even though there is such a strong stigma attached to tattoos, I believe that in time tattoos will gain even more acceptance.  In my next blog I will touch on the subject of a tattoo artist in the Bay Area and the struggles of being a new artist in today’s world.