Tattoos in Japan: How to Get One and Its Consequences

I was the other day in Hakuba enjoying some nice ski season holidays when my girlfriend and I decided to go for an after-sport onsen. However, while this might be simple for some couples, I have several tattoos…

Japan has an interesting relationship with tattoos. Today, we will explore this history and my tips and recommendations if you are planning to get one during your holidays—the same way I did a couple of years ago when I was solo traveling around Japan.

Why the Restrictions?

Japan, as you might already know thanks to pop culture, had terrible gang problems in the 80s (and throughout its history), mainly due to the infamous Yakuzas. These organized crime families were involved in corruption, prostitution, and extortion—not good stuff.

Thankfully, this was eventually brought under control.

However, did you know that not only Yakuzas used tattoos throughout Japanese history?

Edo Firefighters

Around the 1800s, tattoos were also used by firefighters as a “signature” or “branding” of the brigade and to recognize bodies in case they died on duty.

In addition, tattoos were a sign of strength and bravery, as being a firefighter was a dangerous profession.

At that time, protective materials were scarce, so their only piece of protection was a thick, layered cotton and wool wet coat, like the one shown in the photo.

Nowadays

These gang problems were eventually solved by harshly prosecuting the organizations. Some of the measures applied were:

1. The Preservation Law, which allowed the police to arrest individuals suspected of being Yakuzas.
2. Media control on the portrayal of the Yakuza through government campaigns and movies, leading to the marginalization of crime groups.
3. Intense police tactics, including undercover operations, coercion of members to obtain intel, and the use of informants.

What Are the Current Drawbacks of Having Tattoos in Japan?

Well, back to the present. If you have a tattoo or are planning to get one, read this first.

Due to the reasons mentioned above, Japanese society has several restrictions on tattoos. These will affect you in different areas:

1. Work: Depending on the workplace, you might need to cover your tattoo. If you have a piercing, you may need to remove it. For example, in my case, I could be without long sleeves without any problem unless I had an event with clients or the public (which only happened once). So, if it’s summer, make sure the office has AC.
2. Personal Life: There are three main situations where tattoos can be an issue:
   • If you want to visit an onsen or public bath.
   • If you want to go to the gym.
   • If you have to interact with elderly people (although this is rare—I never had this problem).

Workarounds for the Restrictions

There are some ways to deal with these restrictions. Here are my recommendations:

• At work: The only option is to hide it (funny enough, I was so worried about it that during my interviews and first month, I didn’t mention I had any). You can cover tattoos using long sleeves, makeup, or bandages.
• At the gym: Again, long sleeves or bandages. I recommend special sleeves sold in pharmacies designed to protect the skin from the sun (like these: Amazon Japan). Japan is horribly hot in summer, so these help with both issues. Also, never mention that you have tattoos—some gyms won’t even let you join if you do.
• At the onsen: Use private baths. You may need to pay a bit more, but sometimes there’s no other way. If your tattoo is small, you can also use skin-colored patches designed to cover tattoos (like these: Amazon Japan).

I should mention that these problems are not always the case—some onsens and gyms are tattoo-friendly. Check the policies of each facility before visiting.

I Want a Tattoo! Where Can I Get One?

Okay, madlad, you are not discouraged at all. So, I got mine at Muscat Studio, where they have English-speaking staff, so language won’t be a barrier—well, if you speak English, I guess.

Studio Muscat (Website) is located in Shibuya, Uguisudanicho.

The booking process is very easy and well explained. Their website has a form where you describe what you want, where you want it, include some reference pictures, and mention your availability.

And boom! After several emails, you’ve got yourself a reservation.

My advice:

• Send the form as soon as possible.
• Schedule the appointment as late as possible in your trip.
• Avoid back tattoos if you have a long flight home (I can’t imagine the back pain on a 15-hour flight).

Just to wrap this up, here’s the final tattoo (sorry, it’s a bit blurry):

Wrapping Up

Now you are prepared for your trip or life in Japan! You know the tattoo restrictions, the reasons behind them, and how to work around them. Plus, you’ve got an easy guide to getting a tattoo and some recommendations. Hope this helped!