Pop Japan

Full-body tattoos are considered taboo in Japan because of its association with the Yakuza, the ‘Japanese Mafia’. The history behind the tattoo taboo goes as far back as the 7th century, when the Japanese began associating tattoos with crimes as it was used to identify criminals. As time passed, it became a decoration, birthing a new style called ‘Horimono’, meaning to ‘engrave’, a word associated with art. Covering the body except for the hands, feet and neck, it is a symbol of a man, but was still considered unfit for public display. Nowadays, tattoos are linked with the Yakuza, and as they are associated with crimes, most public bathhouses in Japan do not accept visitors, even foreigners, with tattoos.

Photo by: InvestigadorDeTodo. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Tags: full body tattoo, taboo, tattoo, yakuza, japanese mafia, 7th century, horimono, japan, public bathhouse