What's it like Living in Japan with Tattoos? 

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As a (white) foreigner with sleeves that lived in Japan for over 6 years with tattoos and married a japanese woman; you know that the stigma exists but in many ways the contrast of expectations and the character that you convey almost more easily breaks down barriers. When I lived in Saitama and commuted to Tokyo it was not uncommon for me to watch (generally older) Japanese avoid sitting or even standing next to me when there was space. One night as I was heading home on the train, an older woman that was clearly sore and tired boarded the train and looked around to see that there were no open seats. When no-one else offered her a seat, I stood up and gently tapped her on the shoulder gesturing to her that she could take mine. She refused, but I decided that I wasn't going to sit back down. After a minute or two and being encouraged to take the seat by whoever was sitting next to me, she sat down. A "salaryman" that witnessed this decided to strike up a conversation with me for the remainder of the trip. One thing about having tattoos in Japan, is that the stigma ironically creates the opportunity for your actual character to shine. Sure, I was "X"'d out of several onsens over the years, but I was also given exclusive after hours access for no charge at others (usually in hotels). That visual first impression is so easily subverted by how you treat and interact with people.

The guy that realizes society shouldn't change to be convenient to him has a really interesting viewpoint, that really shows a contrast between Japanese and Western cultures. He basically says that he understands how something good (like Japanese culture) can have inconvenient effects (like rejecting tattoos); and that its a normal consequence of his personal decisions to deal with those effects. Like he knew when he changed his image that he was buying into certain social restrictions, so its his problem to deal with it now. It speaks really hihg of him in my opinion.

We appreciate your interviews. They're insightful.

I work in a kindergarten in Japan, and I have a lot of tattoos! It's very difficult especially in summer, I always have to wear longsleeves and it gets very hot while everyone wears t-shirts. I've been able to keep them hidden for 3 years now! I also have to be careful when I go out in case any students or parents see me with tattoos it might jeopardize my job, I'm not sure! If you have any questions about having tattoos in Japan please ask me!

So, I got myself a large gobu (half-sleeve) while living in Japan as a present from myself to myself on my 30th birthday. Traditional Japanese Koi-momiji theme. Didn't have too many problems because of that, on the contrary. My senior management and boss were extremely fond of going to saunas and public bathhouses as "team-building" of sorts and the gobu helped me avoid these and have the leisure after hours time to myself. Like "Oh, I wish to go with you, but can not, I have big tattoo that can't be covered" - "Oh, ok, no worries".

Love your interviews! So informative 🙇🏻‍♀️ Thank you so much Takashi-san ❤

I feel like also depending where you're at in Japan as well, you get more stares than others. In the winter it's not an issue but in the summer I notice the stares increase a lot ahahha. Earlier in June I tried to stay covered for as long as I could but couldn't deal with the July heat and I could see people staring or avoiding me more than usual. Super insightful seeing everyones responses and their personal experiences.

It's awesome seeing how comfortable you are interviewing in English compared to even a year ago! Love the videos. I think it would be cool if you could interview more young people going through school to see what it's like in Japan. My favorite videos are when you interview the new generation.

"I don't count tattoos anymore, I count limbs" love that hahaha

Interesting timing, I was thinking about your videos and wondered if you had ever asked what Japanese people think of tattoos, I was very surprised to see this video in my recommended. Thank you for the great video Takashii 🙇🏻

Been watching your videos for a while now and wanted to tell you that your interview skills have gotten really sharp! You asked some really great follow-up questions. Nice job!

I was in Tokyo for the first time last month and had such a wonderful time. Got a beautiful little bonsai tree tattoo at Future Rose Tattoo in Harajuku. Most of my tattoos are on my legs and since it was hot, I did wear shorts a lot. I did notice on days when I wore shorts, I was treated differently. But I knew this could be the case and I held no resentment towards people that were unsure of me. When traveling, you have to have respect towards the country, culture, and people.

The interview with the tattooed gentleman was so good!!! Thanks for posting!

Takashii---Your English is really improving. Seriously. Well done!

As someone with a lot of Japanese-style tattoos, thank you for this video, Takashi-kun! I'm planning to visit Japan next year, and although I've been there many times before, it will be my first time to be there with arm and leg sleeve tattoos.

Another great topic and interviews. Takashi San, you are the best. I look forward to each and everyone of your videos

Nice timing, i was thinking about getting a tattoo recently, thank you for content

This is really informative! As a 21 y/o girl i have about 20 tattoos and wont be stopping and I was really nervous to go. Now I see that Japanese are respectful and im glad to know people dont always feel so scared to show their tattoos. I love Japan/Japanese culture as well as tattoos and peircings. The guy with the palm tattoos was really cool and he helped me have a great perception of having tattoos in Japan. Awesome video!

These are very good to practice listening to, great interviews!

Your interviews are very beautiful. I get lots of information about Japan from your interviews. I appreciate your interviews. Very beautiful.

Thanks for this! My wife and I are traveling to Japan in the fall and both of us have tattoos. We're hoping to find a few tattoo friendly spots :)

I'm actually working on a full Japanese style sleeve that comes out on to my chest currently. I'm also visiting Tokyo next April so I love these videos! I don't want to have to hide my tattoo but I also don't want to be potentially offensive to the local people. Needless to say i've been doing my research and I appreciate these videos! I've also been learning the language online and it's been a lot of fun! Unlike other languages like say Spanish which is super common here I find Japanese to be a beautiful language that's fun to learn.

I loveeeee your Chanel!!! Thank you for sharing Japan with us ❤❤❤❤

another banger of a video. Good job Takashi

Coming in October with tattoos. Thank you for the video, I've been wondering.

I always look forward to your "Ok thank you for watching how was it that was interesting", Takashi 👌

Great video Takashi, keep up the good work!

Great interviews - enjoyable! 🙏

When I lived in Kyoto 20 years ago (2004-2005), I had 2 tattoos at the time that could be easily covered with clothing. My only problem was going to certain onsens... Out of respect for the culture, I found some large bandages and covered them up. The staff at one place in Osaka was very grateful and thanked me for honoring their traditions.

I want to grow up to be a smart, successful Japanese person like Takashii!!!!!

Love this video. Your skin looks amazing

Found that awesome artist your first interviewed through the link. Thanks Takashi! Great interviews as per usual. And I love tattoos, it's an amazing art form

I would like to learn more about the music scene, maybe hang out where indie bands go or something. Might be interesting how it differs from other places in the world. When I lived in Tokyo about 15 years ago, from time to time, I would see bands outside train stations playing, but on my most recent visit there wasn’t any. Other than the obvious global situation, wasn’t sure if things changed.

I went to Japan in May earlier this year and I had 0 issues with my tattoos, I have two full sleeves and the only restriction I experienced was not being able to go into the public Onsen. People will stare at you a lot but they will look away the second you notice, also they stare at all foreigners :D No need to worry, the worst that can happen is some old lady keeping her distance from you

Great video very informative you pick good subjects for your videos. 👍

Thank you for sharing, amazing video as always 🙏🏾

I have a studio ghibli sleeve and several other tattoos. When I traveled through Japan in 2017 I had only positive interactions with Japanese people. Maybe because of the giant Totoro and catbus on my arm. I even had some older ladies who insisted on having their photo taken with me at the Ghibli musuem 😃

私は入れてないし入れないけど別に、全然個性で隠さなくてもいいと思うのに、彫師がポリシーとか配慮って言って隠してるの凄いし人として他者や文化に敬意を示してて素敵。なんか自分の意思を持ってやってる人は人としてどんな容姿でも魅力的なんだろうな。それより見た目や偏見で人を判断したがる日本の文化、もっと柔軟になってほしい。

Horidai-san was a fantastic interview. Loved his responses and overall demeaner, cool dude!

4:38 i love this guy's hair style. The fading between his head hair and beard is so cool. Like on the chin there's beard, and as you move up, it fades into nothing and then emerges back as head hair. Kakkoi!

I have a large tattoo and always kept it covered in front of my employers and in-laws in Japan. Only once was I approached by yakuza at the local bathhouse, and politely grunted at to not come again - that was 25 years ago.

Omg this first guy is so chill! Society shouldn’t change for his viewpoint in his opinion. That is so refreshing. Here in America everybody needs to change to suit the individual and it’s so exhausting! You shouldn’t have to agree with something to be accepting/understanding.

One of the most important videos ever made. Thank you much

Hey Takashii! Thanks for the video, it was a really interesting & helpful topic! I love Japan since I was a kid. I don't have tattoos but would like to have one, and that was so useful information for me before I visit your beautiful country.

Takashi is like reading my mind now! You've been posting content that I am trying to know more about because of my plan to initially visit this year and live there after two or three years. I have tattoos as well so my concern really is finding a job. I don't have a lot of tattoos and I am totally fine with however the Japanese would think of me but at the end of the day, I want to have a fulfilling job and a decent life. Thank you for this!

As someone who lives in Kansai, I think people here are pretty relaxed about tattoos! Of course there are some people that stare or don't like it, but generally people were chill.

This was very helpful. I was discouraged by *my having* tattoos and the aspect of not being able to speak Japanese when going there someday. Thank you so much!

First video I’ve watched and seen from you but You are a very good interviewer!! Great questions!

I was in Japan in 11/2022 - Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. I have near-full tattoo sleeves. They were only a problem at Onsen, where I was explicitly not allowed, and also the hotel gyms, where they'd provide me a long-sleeve cover up. Other than that, people seemed unconcerned. At bars people really wanted to talk to me. I only had a single "negative" instance while out in public - an older lady was walking by me and audibly gasped. Which I thought was pretty funny.

Im heavily tattooed and always worried about visiting. This video helps me a lot. Also everyone you interviewed seemee very nice and chill.

Great video! Would love to see more like this!

I have a lot of tattoos and I love Japan, I really want to visit some day. Your videos are beyond helpful. Thank you 🙌

I hope some day I can go back to Japan...I was there last 2020 Osaka,Kyoto,Nara...I want to go to Tokyo next time🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵✌️I ❤ Japan

I’d be interested in hearing from a tattooed Japanese woman about their experiences! I’m an Asian American woman who can physically pass as Japanese. I have some tattoos on my arms, and visited Tokyo a few months ago. I definitely noticed more long stares and double takes whenever I didn’t cover up my arms, but I was covered up most of the time due to the weather. I’m planning to go back to Japan next year during a warmer month, so I’m a little nervous to see what that’ll be like but that’s not going to keep me away :) Thank you for the interesting video!

Excellent interviews!

Takashi channel speeds like a rocket, keep going bro ur my man ❤ cheers from KZ

I have many tattoos on my arms and I have lived in Korea for 3 years. I recently traveled to japan for the first time, also making youtube videos and exploring many cities and as the guy from Spain said, the perception of tattoos and even dress styles can be very different and can be more difficult to accept in Korea. since many people (especially older people) do not have much filters with their comments and on many occasions they stare at you even if you look back at them, meanwhile in Japan I felt that even though some people did not like it, they always tried to look away when I felt them looking at me, or if they made comments, they tried to make them a little more reserved. At the same time, in Korea there are no restrictions on gyms or public bathhouses, which did affect me a bit during my visit to Japan. In any case, when you have tattoos, you should always travel with an open mind and respectfully understand that all cultures are different. Also the new generations have no problem with tattoos, it's more and more popular in both countries and I love Korea and Japan very much, so I can highly recommend them to visit 🥰

So interesting listening to the man's experience in South Korea became I live here as a teacher. We're allowed to show our tattoos when working and if you're in Seoul you'll see most young people are full of tattoos. You're also allowed in any public bath without a problem. I think the truth might be Koreans are just more scared of foreigners. 😅

So interesting with the different cultural views on tattoos - Still can't wait to visit Japan, people seem so nice!

I love your videos!!

I have a lot of tattoos and I'm going to Japan in September, I was wondering exactly this, this is perfect timing!

Brasileira arrasando no japão estão mudando o pensamento aceitando mais as tattoos mas no interior as pessoas tem medo parece

I have a tattoo from every country I’ve been to or lived in. Japan will be no exception. It’s one of the things I look most forward to doing upon my first visit there next year. Nothing too loud or big. Thanks for the info.

@takashiiifromjapan - I've seen several of your videos in the recent past. I've decided to subscribe this morning from Houston, TX. Thank you!

This first guy looks so nice. He seems to have a very open mind and is able to relate with many different viewpoints while still being proud of his tattoos. Props to him! :)

2:54 That man gave the most based answer to this question!

いつも楽しく見てます めちゃくちゃ英語学習のモチベーションになってます

Thank you, Takashii-san. Amazing how ever.

Awesome video! I’m living in Japan and I’m getting my first tattoo soon. I think a great addition to these interviews would be to ask what careers they have and how tattoos affected them job-wise.

This is a very interesting topic. We do appreciate these kinds of interviews, Takashi san! とても素晴らしい！

Very good interview, nice questions

Great video, really interesting and informative 👍

My thought of tattoos is nothing but a work of art and I understand that the meaning can be different for many people. You don't have to like but understand the history of tattoos.

It definitely depends on the type and color of tattoos too. I notice a lot of foreign people with black tattoos don't get a lot of looks, but I have both of my arms covered from shoulder to wrist in bright neon tattoos and I get looks literally everyday I go out. I also have several anime and video game tattoos and I see both adults and children stare at them and talk about them under their breathe like I can't understand lol. I live in Tokyo so I've never had an issue other than onsen, people actually compliment my tattoos a lot and they've started a lot of nice conversations because of their subject matter. If you're foreign you also get a bigger pass, I know that Japanese natives will be more heavily criticized for having them because they know the stigma and chose to do it anyway. Honestly, people don't care unless you're looking for a job

Thanks for this interview! I was concerned about traveling to Japan as someone who is heavily and visibly tattooed. I recently visited this May/June and was amazed at how many (younger) Japanese people I saw with tattoos. I definitely got stares from locals, but I felt safe and didn't run into issues in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I've also traveled to Japan for work (primarily in the Kirishima, Kagoshima area) and felt relatively comfortable in the countryside.

I always like your interviews :)

I was a little scared because I have and plan on having a few more tattoos, I’ve always want to visit Japan since I was lil so, now that the culture is being more accepting of tattoos makes me really happy. I hope to visit soon!❤️‍🔥 Much love from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

Going to Japan in 3 months! My gf has a bunch of pokemon tattoos soo we had to find Onsens that allowed her to go in, but to my surprise, most are flexible

love that dudes Lupin the III shirt. also this is something ive been curious about since i have tattoos that cant be covered. this video was helpful

His vids are so great

I wonder how accessible Japan is for those with physical disabilities, health problems, those that use mobility aides (wheelchair, walker, cane, etc.) It would be nice to see interviews of both locals and foreigners that live there with different health issues/ mobility challenges? Love your channel, I hope to visit one day!

The tattoo people actually seem more grounded and down to earth. I'd probably choose their company. It's opposite in the US. Bunch of weird hipsters p much.

Takashii my favorite Japanese friend… keep up the videos

There are many Onsen, including public and more traditional ones, that will allow foreigners with tattoos. I have many myself, and when I used to live in Yamaguchi prefecture, I visited Dogo onsen in Matsumoto, and they allowed me to enter without problems. I called beforehand and asked, and they said it was ok. It was a great experience. ☺

If you ever do a part 2 of this topic, I’d love if you ask your interviewees what their favorite tattoo is and what it means to them! The stories behind people’s tattoos can be very interesting!

Perfect timing!! I'm visiting Tokyo next month with my full sleeve but I don't really want to cover it up since it'll probably be super hot. Hopefully it's not too bad when I go!

Excellent positive interviews

The salary man giving the tattooed guy the side eye at the start of the video says enough about how the Japanese culture in general views a tattooed individual

The Brazilian girl has a lot of guts, as well as good taste. Her tattoos were really aesthetic.

Loved this! As a tattoo artist I would love if you could do a video interviewing more tattoos artists.

I would be interested to hear from Ainu and Ryukyu people about their opinion of tattoos in Japan. Tattoos on hands and face are traditional in their cultures, so the anti-tattoo policy in Japan has contributed to discrimination against them. Getting tattoo doesn't just mean you can't enter pools, onsen, and gyms. It could also disqualify you from life insurance policies or business loans and some companies won't hire you.

👍Great interview! I'm glad to know that many young Japanese decide to get tattoos even though it will make things more difficult for them in society. I can understand that many people may not like tattoos or even be prejudiced against them. What I don't find right is the fact that these people are forced to cover up their tattoos if they want to go to the onsen or some clubs or worse that they have difficulty finding work. However I believe and hope that in ten or twenty years things will change and there will no longer be these restrictions. Thanks for covering this topic and sharing it. A warm greeting. See you next video たかしさん ❗☺️

Hi Takashi, thanks for a very interesting and mind-broadening video about tattoos and the Japanese attitude towards tattooed people. In Europe, the approach is different - according to the rule "Live and let live", so we have no problems with tattoos in principle. My friends and I are planning to visit Japan next year, so the information from you will come in handy. Thank you once again.

i love the last girl her tattoos r so cool!!

Hay una banda japonesa que amo, "Wagakki Band". El guitarrista, que también se dedica a tatuar, tiene tatuajes en casi todo el cuerpo, incluso la cara; y veo que los fans de Japón, de todas las edades, lo admiran y lo aprecian. Como dicen los entrevistados, algunos lo aceptan y otros no. Gracias por compartir!

This is a good video. The younger people will change everything and when you restrict younger people they wanna do it more

I love the first guy's energy. He made a point and make the issue not about the people with tattoo, it then becomes an issue about the people without the tattoos.

The Japanese food boxes look awesome. I'll look up web site. Your Japan interview videos i saw are very good.

I’m visiting Japan next year and I was concerned about their views on tattoos, I have a full sleeve and plan on seeing the more traditional side of Japan rather than Tokyo. Would you advise I keep covered up for the whole trip? I like to respect other countries cultures and don’t want to offend anyone. Thanks 🙂