The 3 Disadvantages of Having Tattoos in Japan (Not Only Onsen)

It has recently finally become easier to study in and travel to Japan. I see many more people from overseas walking the streets of Kyoto, and I’m so happy the city is starting to come back to life. But now, more and more people ask me, “What would happen in Japan if I had tattoos?” I’m sure the first thing that would come to your mind is that you can’t visit an onsen hot spring. But that’s actually just one of the things…
So today, I will introduce the five disadvantages if you have tattoos in Japan. The later ones might be those you haven’t heard of before, so please watch this video until the end. But I don’t one anyone with tattoos to be discouraged from coming to Japan by watching this video. So not only will I introduce the disadvantages, but I will also talk about the ways you can avoid or solve them. After watching this video, if you have any other questions about tattoos in Japan, please let me know in the comments! And before we start… I need to clarify that I don’t have tattoos, so everything I will introduce today is based on personal research and stories my friends who have tattoos have told me. In my opinion, I think tattoos are art, and everyone can have them depending on their choice.
*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects
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[@sandovalperry2895]

Okinawa had a history of female tattoos until the Japanese occupation in the 1870’s. This tradition disappeared by the 20th century but I understand that some younger women are bring this back. My great-grandmother had hand tattoos.

[@shumaduc7496]

Okinawa is no more occupied than Kyushu. Both at one time were outside of the Yamato empire, both were absorbed through military conquest, both have dialects that are / were incomprehensible to others, both had a history and a people that existed before what we call Japan.

[@lukes401k]

He’s back! So glad to have you back Shogo!

[@wheelman1324]

I read this story about how a former Yakuza liked a foreigner’s tattoos so much that he showed his own and talked about his old life. I really wish I had a source!

[@Fuzz82]

This likely happens more than we think. He probably knew this foreigner would not judge him for it (harshly). So this would have been a great chance for him to actually talk about it. And of course, openly liking someones tattoos.

[@rowbearly6128]

Those days are gone.Yakuza are no longer curious about foreigners. Japanese in general . Familiarity breeds contempt. Party is over.

[@jonasschmitz506]

That happened with me 😂

[@Lightice1]

​@@rowbearly6128 Many Yakuza, especially the older ones, tend to be fairly friendly with tourists, actually. Mainly because tourists bring a lot of money to their businesses and because they know that they're seen as a local attraction of sort. Established gansters like to present themselves as romantic, generally decent pillars of community, after all.

[@ironhell813]

What about a story of a man that grew up liking japan so much that, knowing that a person having tattoos would be regarded as a second class citizen, elected not to get any so that he could travel there in the future?

[@mr_bluegreen2214]

This is actually interesting. I heard tattoos are taboo in Japan but I didn't know how else they limited what one can do in Japan.

[@kunderemp]

My friend is a manager of Indonesian actor. One day his client got offer from Japan and he had to sent nude photo of his client to prove his client had no tattoo. The funny thing, his client got role as a Yakuza assassin complete with the "tattoo". See Yakuza Apocalypse by Takashi Miike.

[@deraykrause4517]

I think Takashi just likes collecting pee-pee pictures.

[@OneFoxTwoFox]

We recently visited Japan last year and stayed in Sekizenkan Kashoutei in the Gunma prefecture for 2 nights. My wife being japanese knew that she wouldn't be allowed to use the historical onsens (she has multiple tatoos including a half sleeve) and we opted to getting a room with a private onsen. She was so thoughtful in knowing that i would want to use the open outdoor onsen (there was thunderstorm when i was it, it was surreal) and the historical onsen (built in 1691). It was an experience that i will always cherish. Was it more expensive, oh yeah. But the private onsen also came with an above 5 star experience with a 7 course meal served in our room, a personal assistant for our stay and a over the top traditional breakfast in a private room. Even though it was expensive (~$1300 a night) we all agreed for what we got, that was a steal. Now i know you can get the same experience with a private onsen at a fraction of the cost but wanted to share my experience we had while in Japan.

[@eubabemc5295]

My sister was in Thailand during the tsunami. She helped identify bodies after. She insisted the family get tattoos - even my 90 year old mother - so our bodies could be identified after a disaster.

[@mad_borden]

5:48 That stock image shook me to my ancestral core. All of my grandparents have passed, but that look is coded into my DNA.

[@pyrusdragonoidmaster]

Glad to have you back Shogo-san. It has been really ages.

[@midge007]

I really enjoyed this one!! I loved hearing about the history of tattoos in Japan and am saddened that folks were made to feel embarrassed by them. I've found that traditional Japanese tattoos are stunning. Thank you again, Shogo-san!

[@kimberlymcguinness6016]

Lovely to see you again. I was teaching an overview of the Japanese Culture to my Year 9 students and your videos have been invaluable. Thank you for returning.

[@denizbluemusic]

nice to have you back!

[@Danjo_009]

The comeback that we all have been waiting for.

[@ravenm6443]

Makes me sad that tattoos aren’t acceptable in some places. I want tattoos but then I’m reminded of this issue. Also welcome back! Hope it won’t be a long wait, but if it is, we’ll still be here ☺️

[@distractdiffusee]

There is a village called Kinosaki Onsen, there are seven public hot spring onsenses. They all allow entering with tattoos

[@joseantoniobatac6322]

Love the new presentation formats you're using now. Pretty eye-catching and interest-inducing 🥰

[@fourleafclover2064]

Thank you for the information! I never knew that firefighters were distinguished by their tattoos!

[@TheLegendaryUriah09]

Glad to see your old channel is back Shogo

[@RlRmPd]

So glad to have you back Shogo! Thanks for your eye-opening information as always. Hope that there's more to come whenever you have something for us!

[@quinnbeasley94]

I've missed this channel. Thanks for coming back.

[@Deus_Ex_Malcontent]

Thank you so much for the video! Welcome back, you've been missed!

[@LunaSkye64]

Welcome back Shogo!!! Glad to see you on my subscribe feed again ❤

[@Certifiedfrogluvr]

I want to thank you Shogo, I recently started learning Japanese a few months ago and your videos have helped me so much to learn more of the culture. You explain things so well and I am happy to call you my Japanese culture teacher 😂

[@Mynnia]

That was a nice surprise in my timeline. I'm happy you're back.

[@billbillson3129]

I never knew that about the firefighters.. Thank you for making and sharing your videos with us! Best wishes to you and your family!!

[@Nariasan]

I was very surprised walking through Gion the other day. Right near Yasaka shrine, I saw a tattoo parlour. It blew my mind a little especially that this was Gion!

[@realmach5]

Pretty much all major cities have at least a couple tattoo parlors, especially those that have US bases near them. Outside of the cities though they are pretty rare. That said I don't think I've seen a single person with exposed tattoos in the year I've lived here(foreigners are rare to see where I live).

[@ironhell813]

It’s gion, not really surprised….

[@Nariasan]

@realmach5 oh, I see _plenty_ of Japanese people with tattoos. But I do live in a place known for its gangsters 😅 I work at a school, and I know for a fact that at least 3 of my students have parents in the mob. One of their moms has so many tattoos that I wasn't sure how to process what I was looking at. I have nothing at all against tattoos, but when compared to untattooed women next to her, it was quite something.

[@Nariasan]

@@ironhell813 I am. I hang out in Gion a lot. Most of their shops cater either to tourist traps or traditional crafts and foods... a tattoo parlour (just above a yatsuhashi store) seems a little out of place to me.

[@ironhell813]

@@Nariasan anywhere there is lot of shops and people is where you’ll find these guys, it’s not really limited to the capitals.

[@btr3k]

When I lived in Japan a little over 20 years ago, I joined a fairly large gym in Ishibashi, Osaka-fu. When I signed up, the last question asked (very politely) to me by the receptionist was if I had any tattoos. I answered that no, I didn't, and I'll never forget the look of relief on her face! I do wonder what the response would have been if I answered yes.

[@ironhell813]

Same, some ppl are meant for japan, others are meh.

[@peach_total]

i’ve heard that more onsens are becoming open to people with tattoos in the public baths (obviously not a lot, but more options than there used to be). i wonder if that goes for public bathhouses as well, i’d love to visit one

[@ToddSweeney341]

Yay he's back 😊😊

[@AnastasiaCooper]

So happy to see you again! Please don't work too hard ❤

[@momokawashima9464]

Glad to have you back Shogo. ^_^

[@Br0ns0n]

Glad to see you post again Shogo-san.

[@arcayenne]

Always love to see a new Shogo video

[@MrCarloArellano]

Welcome back, it was great meeting you at the Samurai experience.

[@Gamercat01]

Thank you for this video Shogo-san. I learned even more than I knew before about tattoos in Japanese culture.

[@LasseKroner]

Love these, so clear and structured information, really easy to take in and learn.

[@KP-wj9ch]

Thank you for the video, and I love your hair this length! It looks great on you :)

[@sug4rd0g]

so happy to see you back!!!

[@mohammedis1am]

Happy to see you back❤ love to you and your family.

[@dalejuliancelecia7110]

Nice to see you back Shogo

[@karere1s]

Glad to see new videos from you! Regarding #3, it's still an issue in parts of my home country (America) as well. Much like in Japan, the people who make the biggest deal about it are the older generations

[@violetstatic]

Welcome back! I had no idea tattoos were that big a taboo there, nor did I know that about firefighters which was pretty cool

[@Mittens4Kittenz]

Yay!!! A new video, it has been so long ❤❤❤

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Shogo and Family.

[@lavenderamberli]

Thanks for the informative video, also I like your new hairstyle!

[@JodiBaskoro]

Welcome back, Shogo! Hope you all healthy over there

[@user-ou2kr4vi8e]

I guess I'll be packing plenty of long sleeved shirts when I visit someday.

[@brendanmatelan2129]

Glad to see you back on KZbin Shogo.

[@SpriteAndSmite]

I love the new intro!

[@raydrexler5868]

I love the hair man. You can do a topknot now if you want to. Great video as usual, thank you. Be safe

[@christinaguadalupe9986]

Really informative. Great video!

[@nerona-matcha]

i feel kind of discouraged because i really want to visit japan in the future but i’m literally COVERED from head to toe in tattoos 😭 it’s not even like i have only a few 😞

[@Nipahnanodesu]

Don’t worry, people nowadays care less and less about it. But yet again it really depends on the areas you go to and such. You shouldn’t worry too much about it, after all tons of people in Japan have tattoos and most of them have no problems with them for years :) don’t feel discouraged just because of a video and enjoy the beautiful Japan! 😁

[@johnrivers3813]

If you are "literally" covered head to toe and have face and head tattoos I think that'll freak people out a bit but I am curious if you've tried covering it up with makeup before? You'd have to be mindful and not smudge it and you'd have to consider the humidity and heat so you don't sweat it off either. But it can be an option I just would advise trying it out a few times first so you can get used to wearing and applying makeup as well as maintaining it. If you don't know where to start I'm sure you can find forums on coverups for tattoos.

[@DavidCruickshank]

Being covered head to toe in tattoos will freak people out in every country, Japan likely won't be that unique of an experience to you.

[@rowbearly6128]

AS a foreign resident of Japan for 25 years, I must advise that you will be unwelcome in most places. That's the culture. I have tattoos and am restricted from many places, so I cover them as much as I can. I want to get them removed.

[@yo2trader539]

Sorry, but Japan is not your country.

[@ireneparkin3360]

It's been over 3000 years.

[@royshaheer]

Yes, I don't how long has it been since he did videos like this

[@lililinda6947]

He explained why and that he planned to return in April for specific reasons. Watch the last video and you’ll understand.

[@cupidok2768]

Idk y gaijin love tattoos so much. So bad

[@NorseGraphic]

@@cupidok2768Some of us marks our bodies for proper procedures, eg. how to deal with biological hazardous materials.

[@cupidok2768]

@@NorseGraphic all i saw in that sentence was bio hazard

[@kobizam1341]

Happy to see new content, I’ve check the channel a week ago and was saddened to see no new videos, so am happy to see new videos どうもありがとうございます

[@ConversationswithaStaghornFer]

I am so pleased to have you and your comtent returned. Thank you very much and hope your wife and children are full of joy and health 🎉😂

[@shaneisthegoat]

Tha GOAT has returned!❤

[@jasminesidney8174]

Yay you’re back!

[@Daycros]

Welcome back. You have been missed. :)

[@Max_069]

HE IS BACK!!!!! 🗣🗣🎉🎉

[@tfwordschannel]

Glad you are posting videos again. Interesting the backstory behind this, but in this modern age, it complicates things with people who do have them. Regardless, hopefully, things will sort itself out in time.

[@kennethflores-hv7uf]

My Grandpa also held that idea regarding tats and the very implications you stated. It’s interesting to see how the Japanese culture views tattoos in general. Much obliged on the vid and discussion.

[@hiepdoshin7846]

No substitles is the only bad thing, so thrilled to have Shogo back!

[@p-co1753]

Welcome back Shogo!

[@sayonarakid]

Happy that you are back Shogo! In the beginning you used to talk about some more heavy things about Japan. You have one video about pets in Japan, and I honestly wanted to hear more about animal laws and other things like that. Like what people think about whale hunting that still happens and that festival of the dolphin killing. This will never end?

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

Hi Shogo. Nice to see you again. I hope you're healthy and your lovely family is doing well.

[@Haywood2]

Thanks for coming back.

[@seankellyhimself5877]

Glad to see ya back man! . What if one erases their tattoos?

[@johnrivers3813]

It's funny now that I think about it tattoos are also a bit taboo in western culture as well. You can also be rejected from jobs for tattoos especially ones you can't cover up, the older generation can sometimes look down on people who do have tattoos and some people may assume you're apart of a gang or anti social if you're walking around in public with visible tattoos. But there's a lot of people who bond over and make friends because of their tattoos , I also don't think there's many if any businesses or public spaces that can outright reject you from entering because of your tattoos. If that would happen it can legally become a case of discrimination.

[@johnrivers3813]

Long story short there's not as many limitations over here in the west for having tattoos but people can judge you poorly just for having them

[@Herr_Vorragender]

The real taboo is callenging the beliefs of people about tattoos. You simply can not question their decision, and you can not question the sense of tattoos in general.

[@rowbearly6128]

@@Herr_Vorragender yes, you can,on both counts.

[@Ssaidak]

There are a lot of older people with tattoos in Uk. And a lot of people with tattoos in their faces. I work in a nursery and most of us were covered with tattoos.

[@rowbearly6128]

Tattoos used to mean something, mainly criminals sailors and military types got them, and there were specific designs. Now housewives have sleeves. idiotic.

[@heysmilebomb411]

welcome back !!!

[@abrahamfoot1109]

Shogo,its been forever since your last vid,but welcome back i suppose That haircut tho,its cool for me

[@paultack5893]

I have lived out in the countryside of Japan for about two years and I have met many people who are very comfortable showing me their tattoos. When practicing kendo, some sensei and parents openly display their tattoos, and I feel comfortable doing it as well. The only place I really make sure to cover them up is at work, because I understand it is definitely not a professional image. I think it really depends on where you live and the opinions of the people around you.

[@helenaborgespeixoto7598]

I was so surprised when I saw new videos on your channel, this video was nice, 3:51 I forgot Japan has beaches

[@Voids19]

Welcome back!

[@Elchlord]

welcome back Shogo!

[@alandavis5531]

Great to have you back. It’s been sometime.これから宜しくお願いします🙇。

[@miladydewinter8551]

Dear Shogo, another excellent video. On an unrelated topic, with the new Shogun series a big topic in the West will you do any videos on how Japanese culture is portrayed and your thoughts/impressions?

[@Cherno-Tekknobyl]

Finally more videos \(^-^)/ But what is with piercings? I have shark bites and a septum piercing.

[@plamkotodorov8084]

Love the new haircut.✌🏼

[@mx.notyourbusiness8693]

Stressed-out-by-kids haircut 😅

[@TeddyJayO1]

Might as well call you Shogood with that fancy new intro!

[@Sorobai]

Nice video. Can you make a video about old japanese samurai literature or traditional reading for the samurai in the past! Thank you

[@jan-noeldavid5389]

Love that 'do! Rock it Shogo!

[@PsychoGemini]

I know it's been said already but Shogo's new hair looks great.

[@hawkfeather6802]

Nice to see you again,Shogo! Looks like its better to not have tattoos in Japan.

[@TheMoonlightMage]

Aaaa Shogo came back 🎉

[@sipenarekbecha7193]

*Shogo-san* rocking slick hair now 😎👍

[@kumaprodriveone]

Hi Shogo ! I've heard that some places (tiny streets in Kyoto) won't be open to tourists anymore because of the huge amount of tourists and their bad behaviour. Is it true ? Thanks for the many explanations you gave in this video, I might share it with friends that have tatoos !

[@M335h1]

Lovin the hair! ❤

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thank you so much!

[@conorcrockett9563]

In your next video can you do a video on the Ainu people of Hokaido?

[@Fred-px5xu]

Very interesting!

[@spaz13b]

I had no clue about any of this. As much as I can dream about living in Japan, it seems I'd have a rather difficult time living there in real life, because I have tattoos on almost every part of my body. But thanks for showing how to try and handle it though!

[@pinkkitten_nails]

Can i just say i applaud you for having such an open mind and a passion for TRUTH no matter where you may find it. I am a truth seeker myself and one thing i find ,as globally society moves clear towards totalitarian societal traits, truth is not liked by the ones who blindly follow. Truth is only adored by those who dare to to have the courage to lead. You my friend are definitely a leader. Keep questioning. One thing in America we always say is you know your over the target when everyone is hitting you. Keep being unique and doing your way. You are a light in the darkness. May you have a long healthy life

[@MaxBraver555]

Shogo, made a comeback, renewed

[@FluffyBunny9002]

I have a bio-mech sleeve that I'm actually removing, so hopefully, one day, I won't have to deal with this stigma, but for now, it's barely faded. I will be in Japan for the first time next week. 😊

[@AXL.]

It's been a while!!

[@HeavyHardDrive]

I like the new intro, and the new long hair

[@theprince75]

When I was living in Japan I used to attend my neighborhood public sento/onsen (not at all fancy!) and there was a customer who had his entire back tattooed, all the way to his calves. Being the foreigner I was always talking to him and complimenting his tattoos… even though he was like with 99% likelihood the local yakuza guy…

[@AmyraCarter]

Not only tattoos, but scars and birthmarks/skin issues too. For me, my main issue is if I were to try to get any job in Japan, I'd be taller than the boss in most cases, without even trying, and of course, I stand out with my natural hair color that does not take to dyeing (I've tried-it never works), and my body structure being very Celtic-Saxony (broad shoulders and big boobs with a heart shaped face). I mean, I don't care that I stand out and get looks; those that scoff at me are jealous internally and those that give me a second glance are fansluts that are also jealous. Hyeh-heh-ha. No, I don't have tattoos. I do have marks that look similar to tattoos (scuffs from roughplay) that are a faded red. I have a small scar on my left wrist from when I broke it. ... Oh, and yeah, I'm very queer so I'd definitely be looking for an onsen that's not full of twats gossiping about me. I'd rather bathe with a small group of lesbian Maiko instead, and don't tell me those don't exist; they most certainly do.

[@_ninthRing_]

This is a fascinating video, thankyou *Shogo.* While so much about the way that Japan reveres & maintains elements of its cultural traditions is deeply admirable, it's sad how excessively rigid & hostile that prior generations can be to any inevitable changes to cultural norms. Perhaps it is the incredibly rapid rate of cultural change (especially since the rise of the Internet), which contributes to their difficulty in changing their long-held opinions, or it's simply that many changes are rejected as "Western Influences" (despite actually originating with Japanese youth). This attitude (which ranges from disapproval to outright condemnation) concerning people with Tattoos seems to be an extension of the internal conflict Japan has between *Social Individualism* (which is often lauded in Western Society, but has its own problems) & *Conformity to the Social Hierarchy* (which is considered a fundamental aspect of the Japanese Cultural Identity). As you noted, many aspects of Japanese life have become stultifying due to the problems with "Elder Respect" & submission to the Social Hierarchy. This is less to do with the superficial forms of respect & more to do with the ways that (all too often) Elders who hold positions of dominance in Business, Political & Educational spheres will actively fight against any Positive | Progressive | Essential cultural changes - to the detriment of both those capable individuals who's personal development is being severely inhibited by their immediate seniors, as well as Japanese society as a whole. Admittedly, I'm from a Western Culture (with my own ingrained opinions & biases) looking at this from the outside, so I would certainly like to hear *Shogo's (@LetsAskShogo)* opinion about this.

[@818Kira]

I have full on irezumi sleeves koi fish dragon and everything g 😅😅 I plan to hide them the entire time on my visit

[@maverickfox4102]

In the Military such as the US Navy it’s very common for most Sailors to have tattoos. Especially among most BM’s they would have a tattoo of two Anchors in the X position on their hand 🤚.