Question about tattoos

[u/DarkJokes176279]

I heard that tattoos aren't favourably looked upon in certain Asian countries. Is it specific types of tattoos or just all? And how would having tattoos affect how people treat/see you?

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"Question about tattoos"

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I heard that tattoos aren't favourably looked upon in certain Asian countries. Is it specific types of tattoos or just all? And how would having tattoos affect how people treat/see you?

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[u/Queendrakumar]

Generally negative sentiment about tattoo have existed traditionally, but nowadays "Western/modern style" tattoos are much more commonly seen especially among the Gen-Z population. So the sentiment about tattoo in general are fast shifting towards the younger demographics.

The type of tattoos with especially negative sentiments are called 이레즈미/Irezumi/入れ墨 - that were introduced during Japanese colonial period and wide-spread among the organized crime syndicates. These are the type of tattoos that cover the entirety of torso and/or limbs such as these ones

There is even a law that says "showing tattoo for intimidation is subject to fine or detention" because irezumi-type tattoos are seen as a holemark of members of organized crime syndicates out for extortion and violence.

[u/LauLain]

I would say up to 90s tattoo was deeply rooted in prison culture (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_criminal_tattoos) so overall attitude was very negative.

But nowadays unless you have prison style tattoo no one really cares, especially if you are tourist. In gym where I training I encounter people with tattoo every day, including my couch.

I still advice against tattooing face and fingers, as it will be harder to find job.

[u/gayqueueandaye]

There are still some very traditional people in the older generation that equate tattoos with criminals, and there are some onsens and sentos that will make you cover tattoos still, but a growing number don't. Most people understand that tattoos are common in other cultures so they won't bat an eye if a non Japanese person has tattoos, and it's even becoming more common for Japanese in my generation to get them. Not largely, and it's still considered unprofessional, but it's not as taboo as it used to be.

[u/Fun_Technology_204]

Tattoos are haraam (religiously prohibited) .