Are Tattoos Allowed in Japan?

Summary

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The ancient traditions of irezumi, or Japanese tattoos, attract fans from around the world to Japan, but despite the talent involved in this form of body art, there is still a strong cultural stigma that prevents us from openly enjoying the rich world of tattoos in Japan.

Until 2020, tattooing was considered a medical practice by Japanese courts, and tattoo artists required a medical license to practice their profession. Even today, most public baths, pools, and beaches in Japan prohibit showing tattoos openly.

However, we have at our disposal these 7 interesting ways to appreciate Japanese tattoo culture, from museums that preserve entire tattooed skins to hot springs and festivals that welcome those who display ink on their skin.

In this post, we will be talking about tattoos in Japan, including important recommendations, prohibitions, and their history.

History of Tattoos in Japan

Interestingly, despite the current social rejection, the history of tattoos in Japan, also known as Irezumi (入れ墨), has a long and complex history in the country. It is believed that tattoos were already being performed in Japan during the Paleolithic era, with decorative or spiritually significant designs.

It was during the Yayoi period (300 BCE to 300 CE) that the first documented tattoo designs were created. These tattoos had a primarily religious background and were not associated with any negative connotations.

However, during the Kofun period (250 to 538 CE), tattoos lost their spiritual significance and became used as a form of identification for criminals, assassins, or individuals who had been punished by the law.

By the Edo period (1603-1868), tattoos in Japan began to take on artistic connotations, with significant developments in techniques and designs that characterize Japanese-style tattoos today. However, despite this artistic development, the negative reputation of tattoos continued to persist in Japanese society.

It is also worth noting the role that the indigenous Ainu people played in the use of tattoos, which was always for decorative and social purposes.

The art of tattooing declined significantly during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the Japanese government decided to associate tattoos with crime in order to improve the country’s image abroad, and officially prohibited them throughout the country.

It was during the period of American occupation after World War II that tattoos were once again allowed. However, despite this change in the law, the years of social marginalization have had a lasting impact on Japanese society. Having tattoos in Japan today is still widely rejected by society, and few people choose to get tattoos.

For example, it is common for companies to reject employees with visible tattoos. Having tattoos also reduces the chances of finding a partner among young people.

Can you enter an onsen with tattoos?

It is forbidden to show tattoos in more than 50% of onsen in Japan. For this reason, it is essential to ask or check the warning signs to avoid any problems.

It is possible to access onsen where tattoos are prohibited, as long as you can cover them up with specialized patches. These are usually sold at the onsen entrance. The most common brand you will find for sale in Japan is called Aqua.

Places where tattoos are prohibited in Japan

It is usually easier to find the prohibition of showing tattoos in Japan in public places where they can be exposed and displayed publicly. Be sure to check before entering the following places:

Places where tattoos are prohibited in Japan.

Public hot springs (onsen).
Public baths (sento).
Pools.
Gyms.
Beaches.
Ryokan-style hotels.
Some stores.

Hannya Mask Tattoo

Tattoos in Japan Today

Thanks to the legacy left by the Americans in Japan after World War II, tattoos were once again legalized in 1948, despite the fact that they were still viewed with disapproval in the country. However, this negative perception worsened in the 1960s and 1970s when Japanese cinema was flooded with Yakuza films, which have had a lasting impact on the way we view tattoos today. This negative image is largely held by older generations.

However, as the world becomes increasingly globalized, the Japanese have begun to accept the world of tattoos with more open minds, particularly among younger generations who see tattoos as a fashion trend, making them increasingly popular.

There is no certainty about how the perception of tattoos in Japan will evolve, but it is clear that they will continue to shape the country’s history and culture, just as they have done for centuries.

Tattoos are officially legal in Japan

We previously discussed the difficult situation that tattoos were facing in Japan due to a measure that required a medical license for those who wanted to practice the activity. But this week, there were good news in the Japanese justice system.

For the first time, the Supreme Court of Japan ruled that individuals who tattoo without a medical degree are not committing a professional violation and are not committing a crime.

This decision was announced on Wednesday, 16, when an appeal by public prosecutors against a lawsuit against Taiki Masuda, a 32-year-old tattoo artist, was dismissed. Masuda had tattooed three people.

The prosecutors argued that tattooing people could be considered a medical action, and therefore tattoo artists were required to have a medical degree to be licensed. Obviously, Masuda did not have that certification because he is a tattoo artist, not a doctor.

Medical actions were defined as “actions considered medical treatment or health assistance that could cause health damage if not performed by medical doctors.” And it was established that “tattoos require artistic skills different from those of medicine, so it cannot be assumed that only a doctor can perform the act of tattooing.” In this way, it was concluded that the practice is not a medical act.

On the other hand, it was mentioned that there is a need to create a new law in case there is a need to establish legal restrictions to prevent risks during tattoo procedures.

Masuda was accused of tattooing three women in a studio in the city of Suita, Osaka, western Japan, between July 2014 and 2015, despite not having a medical license.

The Osaka District Court had declared him guilty in September 2017, under the argument that there was a risk that the tattoos could cause skin problems, and that tattooing is a medical activity.

About Author

Jade Blunt | Tattoo Gun Machinehttps://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine

Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.

Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.

As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.

Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.

My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.

But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.

So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!