Japanese tattoos can be divided into modern Japanese tattoos and traditional Japanese tattoos called Irezumi. Discover the difference, and what to be careful of when visiting Japan with a tattoo.
First Published: 2020-09-10
Updated: 2024-04-04
Table of Contents
- Modern Tattoo Culture in Japan
- Difference between Modern and Traditional Japanese Tattoos
- Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs
- Modern Japanese Tattoo Designs
- Visiting Japan with a Tattoo
Modern Tattoo Culture in Japan
In Japan, タトゥー (Tatu-) refers to tattoos in a style other than traditional Japanese - we’ll call them modern tattoos from hereon to avoid confusion. Traditional Japanese tattoos are called 入れ墨 (Irezumi), also written as 入墨 and 刺青 and read as “Irezumi”. Modern tattoos and traditional Japanese tattoos are distinctly different in style, which is quite apparent from sight alone, though there are modern Japanese tattoos that incorporate some elements of traditional Japanese tattoo designs.
Tattoo culture in Japan has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting evolving attitudes towards body art within Japanese society. Historically, tattoos in Japan were strongly associated with criminality. During the Edo period, 墨刑 (Bokkei, or Bokueki) was a form of punishment by tattooing, with the location of the tattoo on one’s body indicative of the type of crime. Additionally, tattoos were often used as marks to identify members of yakuza, Japan’s organised crime syndicates. As a result, there has been a long-standing stigma surrounding tattoos in Japanese culture, with many businesses still banning customers with tattoos till these days.
However, in recent decades, there has been a growing acceptance of and appreciation of tattoos as forms of art and self-expression. This is especially true among the younger generations. This shift is strongly attributed to exposure to Western culture and globalisation, as well as other factors such as fashion and trends, and recognition of tattoos as artistic expression. An important point to note is that this acceptance of tattoos is still greatly limited to modern tattoo designs whose designs have strong Western influences. The stigma for traditional Japanese tattoo design still remains as strong as ever.
Despite the shift towards modern tattoo culture and acceptance, the stigma surrounding tattoos in general still persists and remains quite strong in Japanese society, particularly among older generations, and in rural and conservative regions. There are many establishments that still ban entry of customers with tattoos, but at the same time, there are also an increasing number of establishments in major cities and tourist areas that have relaxed their rules on tattoos (more on this below).
The growing acceptance of tattoos among younger people and the increasing visibility of body art in mainstream culture suggest that modern tattoo culture in Japan is continuing to evolve and diversify.
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Difference between Modern and Traditional Japanese Tattoos
Discover the difference between modern and traditional Japanese tattoos, from the different techniques used, different design and styles, and significance of tattoo patterns.
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タトゥー (Tatu-) are tattoos that are not in traditional Japanese style, especially Western-style tattoos that are growing in popularity in Japan.
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入れ墨・入墨・刺青 (Irezumi) are traditional Japanese tattoos with a distinct style and design different from modern tattoos.
|
Modern Tattoos |
Traditional Japanese Tattoos |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Japanese Name |
タトゥー (Tatu-) |
入れ墨・入墨・刺青 (Irezumi) |
|
Technique |
Mechanical Process using tattoo machine |
Manual Process using |
|
Speed |
Fast, ideal for large pieces |
Slow and methodical, unique |
|
Colours |
Versatile, depends on design |
Limited colour palette with focus |
|
Style |
Versatile, fine linework and |
Bold and clean clear lines, lots of |
|
Coverage |
Small to large pieces |
Large pieces, covering substantive |
|
Design |
・Customer’s choice |
・Mostly up to tattoo artist after |
The above is a summary of the differences between modern tattoos and traditional Japanese tattoos. Another thing to note is the price difference between them. Irezumi costs a lot more than modern tattoos due to several factors including the hand poke process, the tattoo artist’s expertise in the traditional art, and the larger size of tattoo pieces. Additionally, the time taken to complete Irezumi is longer, which means a longer period of tolerating the pain. Some things to consider if you are planning to get a traditional Japanese tattoo done.
Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs
Let’s have a look at some of the most common traditional Japanese tattoo designs there are and their significance.
Mythical and Spiritual Creatures
Mythical and spiritual creatures from Japanese mythology or folklore are commonly used in traditional Japanese tattoo designs. Dragons and phoenixes in particular are extremely popular due to their symbolisms.
- Dragons symbolise strength, wisdom and protection. Japanese dragons are serpentine with long bodies and scales. The dragon tattoos are usually depicted with fierce facial expressions.
- Phoenixes are widely known across different cultures as a mythical bird that symbolises rebirth and immortality. Traditional Japanese phoenix tattoos usually depict a bird with intricate feather designs surrounded by flames, flowers or swirling mists. Some designs have the phoenix with vibrantly coloured plumage.
Other popular mythical and spiritual creatures are Qilin (Kirin in Japanese) and Oni (demons).
Gods and Goddesses
Deities from Shintoism and Buddhism are often featured in traditional Japanese tattoo designs as a symbol of faith. It is also believed that these tattoos bring blessings and protection from the deity. Popular deities include:
- The Buddha
- Goddess of Mercy Kannon
- God of Wind Fuujin
- God of Thunder Raijin
- God of Sea and Storms Susanoo
- Sun Goddess Amaterasu
Animals
Realistically depicted animals are another favourite for traditional Japanese tattoo designs. Not all animals are used, only those with special symbolisms. Koi fish and tigers are particularly popular.
- Koi Fish are a symbol of perseverance, determination and overcoming adversity in Japanese culture. Koi tattoos often depict the fish swimming upstream or up a waterfall, representing the struggle against obstacles and achieving success.
- Tigers are also a popular choice for traditional Japanese tattoo designs, symbolising strength and courage. A tiger is often portrayed in a dynamic pose, surrounded by swirling clouds or bamboo. A tiger mid-roar looking ferocious is also a common portrayal.
Figures from Legends and Folklore
It is not uncommon to see traditional Japanese tattoo designs recreating iconic scenes and characters from a famous legend or folklore. It is one way to preserve and immortalise Japanese culture. In some cases, it may even be historical events, figures or landmarks of scenery. For example, scenes from iconic Japanese ghost stories, scenery of Mount Fuji or iconic landscapes in Japan, and more.
If you notice from the images above, a characteristic of traditional Japanese tattoo designs is the extensive decoration that surrounds the main subject of the tattoo. Backdrop of water, mists, flames, wind and additional decorative elements using flowers, petals and the like are added to make the tattoo look bolder, bigger, and more impressive.
Nowadays, many traditional Japanese tattoo designs are made via mechanical process due to the expertise, skill, cost and time that traditional Japanese tattoo processes take.
Modern Japanese Tattoo Designs
Whether you get it via the traditional method, you can still get a “Japanese” tattoo. Let’s have a look at how modern Japanese tattoo designs look like.
Neo-Japanese Tattoos
Neo-Japanese (from “new” Japanese) tattoos is inspired by traditional Japanese tattoo designs while using modern tattoo techniques and contemporary design elements. The result is traditional Japanese tattoo motifs such as dragons and koi fish and the usage of bold strong lines is retained but in a modern stylised and illustrative manner.
Small Inconspicuous Tattoos
Traditional Japanese tattoos tend to be large pieces that take up a whole arm, half a back, or even whole bodysuits, but with the introduction of Western tattoos, small, easily hidden tattoos grew to become popular in Japan. Many of the designs are inspired by Western tattoos such as stars, hearts, flowers, and butterflies, but there are designs indicative of Japanese life such as seasonal flowers (e.g. cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisteria), everyday objects (e.g. onigiri, chopsticks), and traditional Japanese objects (e.g. daruma, lucky cat statue, Noh mask).
Japanese Kanji and Calligraphy Tattoos
The Japanese equivalent of script tattoos. Single word tattoos are common, but so are full sentences of poetry or a meaningful message. If you are interested in getting a Japanese calligraphy or Kanji tattoo, be careful not to rely on Google or other translation services which may result in mistranslation. Always consult with someone fluent in Japanese, so that it does not sound strange or is completely different from what you were expecting.
Visiting Japan with a Tattoo
As mentioned above, despite the growing acceptance of tattoos, the long-standing stigma against tattoos in Japan still remains strong. It’s easier to think of tattoos as being banned in general with some establishments making exceptions.
Even these exceptions may accept small tattoos that can be covered up with a tattoo covering sticker (not all), but large tattooed guests will be turned away. In addition, walking about the streets of Japan with a large tattoo on display will certainly draw attention and possible apprehension.
If you are visiting Japan with a tattoo, there are some things to keep in mind. Again, the general rule is that tattoos are not acceptable by most establishments, with some establishments making exceptions.
Tattoos are banned at gyms, water parks, pools, and even beaches.
Tattoos are generally banned at gyms, water parks, pools, beaches, and the like. Depending on how strict the regulations are at the place, you may be allowed to enter and use the facilities provided your tattoos are concealed, or you may be completely denied entry to avoid causing discomfort to other guests.
※ Check the facility’s official website or contact them to inquire about rules regarding tattoos.
Tattoos are banned at bathhouses and hot springs.
Almost all Japanese public bathhouses (銭湯, Sento) and hot springs (温泉, Onsen) ban tattoos. You won’t be able to cover your tattoo up with clothing or swimwear as these facilities are used in the nude. There are usually clear signs at the entrance of these facilities indicating that tattoos are not allowed.
Thankfully, however, with the influx of tourists, there are a growing number of hot springs in major tourist areas that have relaxed their rules against tattoos. Although large-sized tattoos are generally still banned, small sized tattooed guests may be allowed entry without coverage, though most places will require you to conceal your tattoo with a bandage or tattoo covering sticker. Some facilities will have rules about permissible tattoo sizes.
※ Check the facility’s official website or contact them to inquire about rules regarding tattoos.
Tattoos are banned at traditional Japanese inns.
Most traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) do not accept tattooed guests. Most ryokans are located in hot spring areas with shared bath or hot spring facilities, which is why tattooed guests are denied entry, for the comfort of other guests.
However, with the growing number of overseas tourists and potential tattooed guests, there are a growing number of ryokans who have taken steps to permit tattooed guests. The most common allowance is ryokan rooms with private baths (or hot spring baths). Though lesser in number, there are also ryokans that allow tattooed guests to use the shared baths provided tattoos are small in size and covered up.
※ Check the facility’s official website or contact them to inquire about rules regarding tattoos.
Cover Up Tattoos at Sacred Places
Although not a strict rule, it is a sign of respect to cover up tattoos when visiting sacred places such as Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and cemeteries. Dressing appropriately, such as not overly revealing, is also greatly appreciated when visiting these places.
To Close
Every country has its own set of customs and rules that visitors should respect and follow when visiting. In Japan, tattoos carry a strong stigma that results in various businesses that restrict access or impose rules on tattooed guests. Though modern tattoo culture in Japan is improving, it will still take quite some time for these long-standing stigma and rules to go away.
