I understand the link to Yakuza with tattoos and that Japanese culture is inherently different to Western culture. But discrimination is universal in any language, surely as a contemporary, democratic nation, employers and waterpark owners shouldn't discriminate foreigners with tattoos, or locals for that matter. I think in 2012, even with strong traditional heritage of Japan, discrimination is no more acceptable there than any other country, very ignorant for such a forward-thinking culure.
wow, ive watched a ton of videos on japan, and as much as i like alot of the stuff i see and hear, but it really really seems like the japanese are really stuck up and closed minded about alot of stuff.. this is horrible.. and that makes me sad, since now it seems ill nvr get to go to japan :(
@2ndAct lmao.... my tattoos arnt a mistake, they have meaning to me, and if they dont like it then who cares.. ill just stay in my own country or go somewhere else
@TrailRidingGemini well like most if not all asian countries, their technologies are advance (mostly japan) but the way of thinking and living is still in the feudal age ;D
I was going to make plans to go to Japan in the next few years. I read/watched just about everything else and I could get by easy enough (I hope) but this one troubles me. Just how hard is it to get by with a tattoo. I currently have 4. I have a half sleeve, one on my forearm, one on my other arm and one on my back.
From this I understand that its not good but if I were to always wear long sleeved shirts etc would it solve my problem a little? I'm actually majorly upset about this to be honest.
@fay2212 Really, it depends on where you go and what job you're trying to get. If you have a job that lets you wear long sleeves and/or have a job where it isn't a big deal (bartender, for example), you'll be fine. A lot of Japanese, especially the younger crowds, are pretty accepting of tattoos. But the whole part he said about water parks and hot springs not letting you in is true, sadly. Most establishments don't care for the most part. Avoid 'job-stoppers' and full sleeves, though.
@AmandaShotgun2 If the job doesn't care, go for it; however, it all depends on the job; just like the States. You can go to water parks and hot-springs with piercings; they just don't allow tattoos so they can keep Yakuza out.
It's funny though, because right after I saw this video I watched a Japanese interview of Johnny Depp, who was covered in tattoos; and it was a really funny and touching interview.
I'm your new subscriber, amazed by the volume of information you suggest to people) did you thing of gathering everything in a book? (not long ago I was reading a Great Britain through the eye of a foreigner book, it is really priceless thing) well it's true that your way is more up to date,but I thought it'd be a great thing to do)) now I'm about to watch ur every video...one by one. thank you!
one day on TV.... I saw a (german) guy...with maaaaany tatoos on his body....who went to Japan... and one day, a few japanese poeple talked to him on street...and took him with...he doesn't understand a word of what thei said....so...thei took some photos from him....and after..thei gave him a bunch of money.... because of his tatoos he became a MODEL O___O
is that also kind a "cool" to have tatoos and so on ?! xDxD
I am a female and I have a tattoo on my back of my side of a sakura tree and says big sister in Japanese does that mean i really can't get into an onsen. Because I'm definitely going to japan
@MicheIIeMcGee >.> I don't see how this answers my question or how this pertains to you at all. Thanks for your opinion but I'll patiently wait for his opinion on the subject I asked about his video. Also I've watched those other videos and they were nothing of the sort. I'm trying to get a large number of opinions on this subject from japanese and gaijins that live there.
Wait, what if you get a tattoo somewhere will no one will see it? I was thinking about getting one on my mid section and I NEVER show my mid section. The only time I can see it being a problem is at an onsen, but even then I would have something wrapped around me, I'm not a fan of nudity.
Many of the people I know that learn Japanese have an abundance of tattoos and piercings, too. So when they talk about wanting to get a job in Japan, I always feel uncomfortable.
Kinda harsh isn´t it? I had actually considered once to have a tatto on my arm that read "Respect" with Japanese kanji. It is something I value and apply, that´s why.
But if that might not be right either, I´ll just have to visit Japan first and see how much I like it before doing any of that.
Well, then I'm screwed. I mean, it's one thing having a hello kitty somewhere but.. I've got a western dragon going from my shoulder down onto my chest. No, onzen or Water park for me when I go there then :)
I don't know where you live but were you safe from the tsunami? Sure is horrible, when nature gets pissed for some reason...
Guess you won't be dining too high on the hog. You'll have to get your food from the street stalls IF they'll even serve you
The same for cut offs and shorts
A gaijin with tats though isn't that big a thing. The Japanese men with them are most certainly stirred clear of because of course they're long knives
I have a friend who has full body tatoos and she is living and working in Japan. Many of the older generation would find it distasteful i think but the younger generation often comment on how cool it is. Of course how honest they are being is a mystery but a few young japanese men get very excited by it and they want to sleep with her. Perhaps for the conquest. In any case I wouldn't write off living in Japan if you have tattoos. Just keep them covered at work.
Man this suxs! I have very prominent tats and I am a woman. I also LOVE Japanese "stuff" and people. It is my biggest desire to go to Japan and tour around. I hate to hear that its so closed off to someone like me. I am not saying I wont go, I can wear long sleeves and all, I am just disappointed I cant go to a bath house or water park etc..
@Grlypants i agree w/u i also have tattoo sleeves and i'm a woman so to really hear honestly how all doors would be closed to me is kinda dissappointing but not shocking at all... now i'm really reconsidering my Japan dream i mean i' ve been wanting to go for a language exchange program to learn japanese in tokyo & get closer to my dream of living there ...i'm also a hairstylist so i kept thinking it would be ok in that industry but now i just dunno what to think anymore ...any suggestions?
i saw years ago on the tv a doc. on tattoos and there was a portion of it de3dicated to japanese body suit tattoos, they claimed it was traditional to have this tattoo suit and even white collar workers would often have these full body tattoos under their business suits.now i got 95 % of my body tattooed and your telling me i can't go to japan????
Really? It's like that? Now I'm kinda upset I got mine :( I'm leaving for japan in under 7 months, and I cant get this tattoo off. It really has a lot of meaning for me so I cant just give it up :(
Wait I'm just a little confused about one thing. I saw this special on Japan a while ago, can't remember how long ago. But it talked about how I guess just certain kinds of tattoos were like sacred or something. These guys would get like full on scenes tattooed onto their backs. Scenes from I guess ancient battles from history and old myths. And even (Now this part is gross) when the person who had the tattoo died they would take the skin with the tattoo on it and hang it up in some kind of
I'm so glad I haven't ruined my life and gotten a tattoo. I will probably spend years of my life in japan.. hopefully. Any other crazy thing I shouldn't do. I have a bar in my ear ( industrial piercing) will I get weird looks for that? I usually cover it with my hair if I wanna look nice. :p
Wow here in the states 60 percent of folks have tats..including girls..(yes so do i..only a small one..but thinking about getting just one more...and I'm also a female)
I've known about this for a while, but this information doesn't sway my opinion and view on tattoo's, I see it as art, not a social statement. I still want some, might be quite big ones. But I still want to go to Japan.
I guess I'm kinda like Japan, if I see somebody with a tattoo there's no way I'd ever date them or even want to be friends with them. I know, kinda weird, when I think tattoo, I also think gangs and stuff...ugh.
Thanks for this video. For me, I'm actually looking forward to getting a traditional Polynesian style tattoo before I go to Japan because it would be a new chapter of my life and because I love my culture, and just to keep me grounded. With this in mind, it's a bit disheartening to think of the job and other opportunities becoming limited, but it still won't stop me from going to Nihon :)
Wow o.o. I am really surprised with this. Thankfully I have a small tattoo on my ankle, and had the foresight to position it so that I could reveal it and cover it up just as easily. But it's so disheartening to think that you as an individual are judged by some body ink. No matter how large or small. I mean, it’s not like the little butterfly on my ankle would cause anyone any harm, nor can it be associated with any gangs :P
Does Japanese society resent the US military bases that are there? I am going to be stationed there and would like to know the people are going to give me a hard time. thanks
@panzer415 Yes and no... some people resent them (depending on the location of the base) some don't care. Just remember, it's not so much about where you are, you will still be a foreigner in this country. Don't worry, no one is completely hostile towards foreigners, just make sure not to do anything wrong in japanese society standards and you won't have any problems.
@kaioystein The ol´ dude didn´t reply to your comment, so I will: just think about the Yakuza! The Japanese mafia. It´s members are covered with tattoos, so I guess it should come as no surprise that in Japanese society the first thing they associate tattoos with would be gangsters and criminals. The other thing would be missing fingers, which is also a typical thing for Yakuzas, because if they´ve done something bad they´ll be punished by cutting off fingers. Hard time for foreign craftsmen ...
@Leecher4711 You should see the bodies Yakuza leave behind, they found 12 bodies all shot and stabbed MULTIPLE times WAY WAY more than you need to kill someone, limbs hacked off and one guys upper body had been smashed in an elevator...no wonder Japanese are not fond of Yakuza..
@lordpoee I guess whatever slightly reminds them of any of that would be discredited, even if its as harmless as a tottoo ... well, harmless for us! No, I perfectly understand that. I never could get around to get a tattoo myself, because I just know that I might not like the very picture in a year or two any more. Now Im quite glad I ain´t got one! Well, at least it makes things easier in Japan I guess ... (^_^)
Luckily even though I have several large tattoos I can easily cover them with long sleeves/pants. Guess I won't be getting into any onsen or water parks though...
what about washable tattos? sure they come off, but in america kids can buy them at the dollar store. What is the japanese perspective on these? The same?
I am in the US and I am female. I met a woman from Japan in my real estate school. Over 2 months of classes we became good friends. I was the person she came to for questions on US culture.. After a yr + of being friends we went to a water park and she saw that I have a large tattoo of a peacock and flowers on my thigh & hip. She freaked but became ok after explaning that it covered a scar & had nothing to do with crime but it did shock her and it took a long time for her to really be ok with it
I have a small tattoo on my wrist,a medium size tattoo on my shoulder/upper arm,upper back and ribs.( it was a stupid decision,when i was younger) i'm an asian. but i don't really like to show it,but how would people in japan look at us , especially if you are already friends with them and you decide to come clean and tell truth?will the reaction be from the male and female friends or different and if it is different,how so?
I've noticed that a wide majority of Japanese musicians do not have tattoos. However, Kyo from Dir en Grey does usually perform onstage with his shirt off and expose his tattoos and Hazuki from lynch. also has tattoos that are sometimes showing but a lot of times covered up.
this video does bring up some good points, but i feel it might be different on where you live. now, i live in osaka which is a big city with tons of gajiin. i have two big tattoos and a lip piercing. i think people see me and think "oh another tattooed gaijin" but in the country it might be a different story. however, i try my best to respect other people and hide my tattoos as much as i can.
I have a small tattoo on my forearm, about 4-5 inches long, and when I was in Japan everyone loved it. All the girls wanted to touch it. I can only assume that it's because it's small, and of something harmless, a fish. I never went to an onsen or a water park while I was there, I never got the chance, but I'll will next time I go, to see if it causes any trouble and I'll report back. I was told by my Japanese friends that since I'm American, and it's small, it will probably be ok... we'll see.
@TheJapanChannelDcom That... is a very good point. My University also sent me to an all women's college, with me being one of like three guys there. It could have very well been that the girls were just happy to see a guy their own age. Ha!
I know that for Chinese people (like me), we consider the body a gift from your parents, and you shouldn't do anything that would disrespect the gift from your parents. So its frowned upon if you have a tattoo or piercing that isn't approved of by your parents. Even then, like Japan, a tattoo is considered "triad".
@Sumowarrior They can't grow facial hair very well. So, some people think it makes you look like a foreign movie star, others think it makes you look old. Either way, it should be well kept, none of that scraggly neck beard stuff.
@masaru09 Depends on what and where...Japanese people tend to have different standards for foreigners than they do for Japanese people. I heard "Oh, but you're foreign, so it doesn't really matter" a lot. Like they expect us all to look like circus freaks.
Yes.. and they also tend to say things to make us feel better.. even if it isn't true and even if it isn't what they are really thinking.. don't they.
@phongbong At the beginning of the Meiji period the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality.
Tattooing was legalized by the occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan still ban customers with tattoos.
@kawaiiableSushi What? Never seen that movie but I just know that Japanese maffia (Yakuza) often have tattoos there are public buildings and private buildings that prohibiting tattooed guests from entering. Just because they dont want to deal with possible Yakuza.
The bit about onsen and waterparks is a bit too absolute in my experience. I've got a little tattoo on my forearm that's been plainly visible when I go to those places, and I've never been hassled. I think it's a bit like the mandatory seat belt law in the states: people won't give you a hard time about it on its own, but if they already don't like you, it's a convenient excuse.
@lpasepok - you need one hand off the wheel to shift gears in a manual car (see his leg working the clutch pedal?). I can't help you with the talking-on-phone-while-driving thing.
What about public beaches? Are tattoos just looked don upon there or are people with tattoos not allowed there? I already had my tattoo done before seeing this video/any jvloger's video on tattoos (wish I had I would have waited a few years). Thankfully it is easily covered up.
Can I guess that Celebrities will get away with Tatoos? Because Miyavi has plenty of tatoos and he seems to be very popular. Therefore, I thought tatoos were welcomed?
@lovinmymusic4life Yes, I saw your last message. I don't really know if jrocks (or celebrities get away with it) But I would really like to know how Miyavi is thought of in Japan. Because he is LOADED with tattoos and piercings.
awh gutted beacuse i love japan and i love tatoos and i plan on gettinga few ill justhave to hide them when i finally get to go there lol i love your videos x
What if my mother have a tatto of a fish and her husband name and my step father had a tattoo of his wife and kids name will they be able to get a job
I had 2 tattoo's on my upper arms that were always covered by my shirt, BUT, I recently got a new tattoo on my left lower forearm. Obviously, cannot be covered up well unless wearing long sleeves. You got me scared with this video dude, as I am planning to move to Japan in about 4 years. I am married to a Japanese woman, met the whole family and friends about 2 years ago. They all know I have tattoo's and "luckily", they don't care. Love the How to videos anyway...thanks
At the beach last summer there was a sign saying no Japanese style tattoo's. I saw quite a few japanese, and me, with showing tattoo's. But there weren't many older people there. More a young persons scene. My freind works at a snack bar and she wears a patch over her tattoo on her wrist. She says she'd be fired if people knew she had it. I had to go to an onsen really late at night to get in with my tattoo's, so nobody else was there.
i saw this video when you posted it, but i was thinking of getting a tattoo, and i remembered you had this video... i was gonna get honor written on me in japanese somewhere... dont think i should though cause i wanna go to japan and not be frowned upon haha
@TheJapanChannelDcom i understand the peircings in "crazy places" like eyebrows and things can be uncool even in western countries but are piercings on the ear lobe normal or OK?
when i get in the royal marines and i will i am going to get the symbole on my arm will that be seen as a symbol of pride or just point blank frowned apon coz its a tattoo
Yet another reason to love Japan. I see all of these people wanting to look cool, but what is cool today is retarded tomorrow. The dumbest part of their thinking is, Oh...I'll just get them lazered off down the road. If a person really needs to get a tatoo they should get one on their butt that says "This side up".
@IronJawJim no, not ALL people think like that.i look at tattoos as art.I got my 3 in places that no one can see unless i want them to. I also had my 2nd tattoo for 6 months before anyone cept for my close friends saw them. I dont go around wearing tank tops or having my shirt off showing them like a lot of people like to do.I would never get mine lasered off as well.You may not share the same idea as me but dont be a jerk about it.
lucky mine is on my chest/ hidden under shirt
sbslusher 5 days ago
Would a bandage be a good way of hiding a tattoo at say a waterpark or onsen?
vidEOkid12345 1 week ago in playlist How to do stuff in Japan!
I guess they wouldn't like a USMC tat on my arm ha?
Pearlharbor350 1 week ago
I understand the link to Yakuza with tattoos and that Japanese culture is inherently different to Western culture. But discrimination is universal in any language, surely as a contemporary, democratic nation, employers and waterpark owners shouldn't discriminate foreigners with tattoos, or locals for that matter. I think in 2012, even with strong traditional heritage of Japan, discrimination is no more acceptable there than any other country, very ignorant for such a forward-thinking culure.
ceejaydoyle 2 weeks ago 4
@ceejaydoyle agreed
youngsplash85 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
gangsters are NEVER cool. joining a group to hide your shortcomings (short penis)
danbasker 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
danbasker 2 weeks ago
Gosh I am SO lucky I watched this video !
I am leaving for Japan in March for a years exchange, and I was planning to get a tattoo before I left. SO happy I saw this video!
LuluMedly 2 weeks ago in playlist How to do stuff in Japan!
It's because Yakuza members covers their bodies with tattoos.
Destruction3402 3 weeks ago 3
what about piercings
DjScreamify 3 weeks ago
Good thing I can hide my tattoos with a pai of pants! :)
Apacolyptic 3 weeks ago
wow, ive watched a ton of videos on japan, and as much as i like alot of the stuff i see and hear, but it really really seems like the japanese are really stuck up and closed minded about alot of stuff.. this is horrible.. and that makes me sad, since now it seems ill nvr get to go to japan :(
TrailRidingGemini 1 month ago
@TrailRidingGemini Sounds like someone made the mistake of getting a tattoo.
2ndAct 1 month ago
@2ndAct lmao.... my tattoos arnt a mistake, they have meaning to me, and if they dont like it then who cares.. ill just stay in my own country or go somewhere else
TrailRidingGemini 1 month ago
@TrailRidingGemini good, japan doesn't want you LOL
IAmSuchANerdLol 3 weeks ago
@IAmSuchANerdLol seriously? I'm sure they are waiting to have such an immature ignorant brat like you there..
LunaTemari 2 weeks ago
@TrailRidingGemini well like most if not all asian countries, their technologies are advance (mostly japan) but the way of thinking and living is still in the feudal age ;D
Commandos12 4 days ago
I have a feeling that the people who disliked this have tattoos XD
KELLERMANisBACK 1 month ago in playlist How to do stuff in Japan!
I was going to make plans to go to Japan in the next few years. I read/watched just about everything else and I could get by easy enough (I hope) but this one troubles me. Just how hard is it to get by with a tattoo. I currently have 4. I have a half sleeve, one on my forearm, one on my other arm and one on my back.
From this I understand that its not good but if I were to always wear long sleeved shirts etc would it solve my problem a little? I'm actually majorly upset about this to be honest.
fay2212 1 month ago
@fay2212 Really, it depends on where you go and what job you're trying to get. If you have a job that lets you wear long sleeves and/or have a job where it isn't a big deal (bartender, for example), you'll be fine. A lot of Japanese, especially the younger crowds, are pretty accepting of tattoos. But the whole part he said about water parks and hot springs not letting you in is true, sadly. Most establishments don't care for the most part. Avoid 'job-stoppers' and full sleeves, though.
KingJapanPUA 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@TheJapanChannelDcom What if it's in your culture? Like Polynesian cultures.. Maori and Hawaiian Tattoos ??
jmla113 2 months ago
What if it's in your culture? Like Polynesian cultures.. Maori and Hawaiian Tattoos ??
jmla113 2 months ago
I could listen to you talk all day...Thanks for giving us such great incite to a far away land.
queenjewels5 2 months ago
in my country also...but it is an islamic asian country, so that's a given.
MsSunhappy 3 months ago in playlist How to do stuff in Japan!
What about piercings, like stretched ears and facial piercings?
AmandaShotgun2 4 months ago
@AmandaShotgun2 If the job doesn't care, go for it; however, it all depends on the job; just like the States. You can go to water parks and hot-springs with piercings; they just don't allow tattoos so they can keep Yakuza out.
KingJapanPUA 1 month ago
Is it okay to have peircings? I have two on each ear...
PeircedinBlood 4 months ago
I see Japanese musicians with Tattoos....but I guess it's ok because they work in the music industry.
NatsuNyappy 4 months ago
I have 2 tattoo's and one of them very visible on my arm, and I have been in an onsen in Japan.
Shainingusutaru 5 months ago
wow... reading these comments really makes you *facepalm* Alot of discrimination going on.
bajholster 5 months ago
Is coloring your hair okay? I like dying my hair green and blue, and is it ok just to get highlights or to dye your hair a natural color?
goirkens 5 months ago
@goirkens whatever you do, it won't be as crazy as what Japanese teenagers do.
blahk04 5 months ago
Hmm, how about piercings? I´m a girl and I have earrings, is that bad in Japan?
Mai2708 6 months ago
@Mai2708 Yes it's horrible, practically illegal.
blahk04 5 months ago
You didn't mention if you have tattoo or not?
I'm sure that Australia has them as often as other western influenced places
BlueRazor69 6 months ago
It's funny though, because right after I saw this video I watched a Japanese interview of Johnny Depp, who was covered in tattoos; and it was a really funny and touching interview.
TheAle89515 6 months ago
I'm your new subscriber, amazed by the volume of information you suggest to people) did you thing of gathering everything in a book? (not long ago I was reading a Great Britain through the eye of a foreigner book, it is really priceless thing) well it's true that your way is more up to date,but I thought it'd be a great thing to do)) now I'm about to watch ur every video...one by one. thank you!
kateDAbomb 6 months ago
one day on TV.... I saw a (german) guy...with maaaaany tatoos on his body....who went to Japan... and one day, a few japanese poeple talked to him on street...and took him with...he doesn't understand a word of what thei said....so...thei took some photos from him....and after..thei gave him a bunch of money.... because of his tatoos he became a MODEL O___O
is that also kind a "cool" to have tatoos and so on ?! xDxD
xxsweetyflowerxx 7 months ago
This applies to everything but the entertainment industry
mrdkaff 7 months ago
Nowadays, I heard that tattoos are now part of modern culture for young people in Japan.
chococta96 7 months ago
What if is a young person like my friend is 14 and has a tattp on his wrist
MRABE900 8 months ago
what if its a small digit tattoo on the tricep
HappyMasterChief 8 months ago
I am a female and I have a tattoo on my back of my side of a sakura tree and says big sister in Japanese does that mean i really can't get into an onsen. Because I'm definitely going to japan
SavyUz 8 months ago
Uh oh....i could be in trouble. glad you posted this though. i was wondering about this topic. thanks always for your videos.
808Dreamin 8 months ago
Kind of ironic since alot of places, Japanese style tatoo's are the "cool thing".
cotton1983 8 months ago
How about a tongue piercing? I have one. Is it the same as a tattoo? Thanks you!
KnightsofEmerald 8 months ago
What about Japanese Celebrities like Hamasaki Ayumi and Amuro Namie? They have Tattoo's. Are they looked down on too?
Bakatarechan1 9 months ago
PS What about the short term henna tattoos?
PurdyBear1 9 months ago
The more I view your videos, the more Im really likeing the Japanese - we seem to think in a similar way! LOL!
PurdyBear1 9 months ago
Is it true that only firefighters were allowed to have tattoos, so they could be identified in case they die in a fire?
Sorry if someone asked this already...
carbonIVoxide 9 months ago
@MicheIIeMcGee >.> I don't see how this answers my question or how this pertains to you at all. Thanks for your opinion but I'll patiently wait for his opinion on the subject I asked about his video. Also I've watched those other videos and they were nothing of the sort. I'm trying to get a large number of opinions on this subject from japanese and gaijins that live there.
KohanaOtaku 9 months ago
Wait, what if you get a tattoo somewhere will no one will see it? I was thinking about getting one on my mid section and I NEVER show my mid section. The only time I can see it being a problem is at an onsen, but even then I would have something wrapped around me, I'm not a fan of nudity.
KohanaOtaku 9 months ago
That's great ! Tatoos are for cows!
yosealberto 9 months ago
Hey again! I was wondering how Japanese people thought about peircings? Say nose and lip piercings? Would they find that offensive or something? (:
AnInterestingInsight 10 months ago
Many of the people I know that learn Japanese have an abundance of tattoos and piercings, too. So when they talk about wanting to get a job in Japan, I always feel uncomfortable.
DontTouchMyVicodin 10 months ago
Kinda harsh isn´t it? I had actually considered once to have a tatto on my arm that read "Respect" with Japanese kanji. It is something I value and apply, that´s why.
But if that might not be right either, I´ll just have to visit Japan first and see how much I like it before doing any of that.
TheMajin7 10 months ago
Well, then I'm screwed. I mean, it's one thing having a hello kitty somewhere but.. I've got a western dragon going from my shoulder down onto my chest. No, onzen or Water park for me when I go there then :)
I don't know where you live but were you safe from the tsunami? Sure is horrible, when nature gets pissed for some reason...
stoffni 10 months ago
i have a tattoo on my forearm and its pretty big.
im planning on going to japan when it is warm and i will wear tank tops,
the question is will it be okay beacuse im only visiting for about 3 weeks?
madison411 10 months ago
@madison411
Tank tops are frowned upon except on the beaches
Guess you won't be dining too high on the hog. You'll have to get your food from the street stalls IF they'll even serve you
The same for cut offs and shorts
A gaijin with tats though isn't that big a thing. The Japanese men with them are most certainly stirred clear of because of course they're long knives
Searching4Truth1 10 months ago
@Searching4Truth1 thank you for answering!! ^^
madison411 8 months ago
I have a friend who has full body tatoos and she is living and working in Japan. Many of the older generation would find it distasteful i think but the younger generation often comment on how cool it is. Of course how honest they are being is a mystery but a few young japanese men get very excited by it and they want to sleep with her. Perhaps for the conquest. In any case I wouldn't write off living in Japan if you have tattoos. Just keep them covered at work.
DemonEyeBennett 11 months ago
Man this suxs! I have very prominent tats and I am a woman. I also LOVE Japanese "stuff" and people. It is my biggest desire to go to Japan and tour around. I hate to hear that its so closed off to someone like me. I am not saying I wont go, I can wear long sleeves and all, I am just disappointed I cant go to a bath house or water park etc..
Grlypants 11 months ago
@Grlypants i agree w/u i also have tattoo sleeves and i'm a woman so to really hear honestly how all doors would be closed to me is kinda dissappointing but not shocking at all... now i'm really reconsidering my Japan dream i mean i' ve been wanting to go for a language exchange program to learn japanese in tokyo & get closer to my dream of living there ...i'm also a hairstylist so i kept thinking it would be ok in that industry but now i just dunno what to think anymore ...any suggestions?
atoxicdoll 11 months ago
i saw years ago on the tv a doc. on tattoos and there was a portion of it de3dicated to japanese body suit tattoos, they claimed it was traditional to have this tattoo suit and even white collar workers would often have these full body tattoos under their business suits.now i got 95 % of my body tattooed and your telling me i can't go to japan????
mrfurball 11 months ago
@mrfurball I heard that that was typical for the yakuza to have
kleurhartjeskrijger 11 months ago
I'm curious, do they feel the same way about piercings?
MeggieLee22 1 year ago
Really? It's like that? Now I'm kinda upset I got mine :( I'm leaving for japan in under 7 months, and I cant get this tattoo off. It really has a lot of meaning for me so I cant just give it up :(
Mana2Freya 1 year ago
@Mana2Freya if you explain the tattoo they'll probably reconsider their opinion ;)
kleurhartjeskrijger 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
fuck Austrailia
fuck Japan
koonpula 1 year ago
museum. I don't know maybe that's also like a gang thing? Do you know what I'm talking about or not really?
TheRoamingGnome2 1 year ago
Wait I'm just a little confused about one thing. I saw this special on Japan a while ago, can't remember how long ago. But it talked about how I guess just certain kinds of tattoos were like sacred or something. These guys would get like full on scenes tattooed onto their backs. Scenes from I guess ancient battles from history and old myths. And even (Now this part is gross) when the person who had the tattoo died they would take the skin with the tattoo on it and hang it up in some kind of
TheRoamingGnome2 1 year ago
I'm so glad I haven't ruined my life and gotten a tattoo. I will probably spend years of my life in japan.. hopefully. Any other crazy thing I shouldn't do. I have a bar in my ear ( industrial piercing) will I get weird looks for that? I usually cover it with my hair if I wanna look nice. :p
anticliche321 1 year ago
oh man! I wanted to go to that water park too! mine takes up most of my leg. I would have to swim in long pants perhaps
bikemessenger7 1 year ago
i am from mexico and my parents dont let me get tattoos they are old fashion lol ... it is also consider a gang sign there... but i live in the u.s
saki14duh 1 year ago
Wow here in the states 60 percent of folks have tats..including girls..(yes so do i..only a small one..but thinking about getting just one more...and I'm also a female)
Midnightryder7 1 year ago
well i dont agree with this video
i have lots of tattoos and i never have ny problem with that in japan
even summer time on the beach when all of them was uncoverd
@justin6string thats true every 1 there was almost happy to see my tattoos
@TheJapanChannelDcom you are right about spa swimming pools and emplyers :)
isatnaf 1 year ago
I dont like girls if they have an tattoo.... but however..... im okay with dudes having one
PyrimidKingJindai 1 year ago
I've known about this for a while, but this information doesn't sway my opinion and view on tattoo's, I see it as art, not a social statement. I still want some, might be quite big ones. But I still want to go to Japan.
parrish001 1 year ago
I guess I'm kinda like Japan, if I see somebody with a tattoo there's no way I'd ever date them or even want to be friends with them. I know, kinda weird, when I think tattoo, I also think gangs and stuff...ugh.
NeptunePrincess04 1 year ago
Thanks for this video. For me, I'm actually looking forward to getting a traditional Polynesian style tattoo before I go to Japan because it would be a new chapter of my life and because I love my culture, and just to keep me grounded. With this in mind, it's a bit disheartening to think of the job and other opportunities becoming limited, but it still won't stop me from going to Nihon :)
I'll just have to deal :)
TheJapoan 1 year ago
Do you see Japanese Yakuza on the street? Have you ever seen one? Do they have special tattoos? x
94Torchwood94 1 year ago
What about piercings?
1991JMP 1 year ago
A Japanese person with a tattoo would probably mean his a gangster?
Bleakfacts 1 year ago
Wow o.o. I am really surprised with this. Thankfully I have a small tattoo on my ankle, and had the foresight to position it so that I could reveal it and cover it up just as easily. But it's so disheartening to think that you as an individual are judged by some body ink. No matter how large or small. I mean, it’s not like the little butterfly on my ankle would cause anyone any harm, nor can it be associated with any gangs :P
carslan82 1 year ago
Does Japanese society resent the US military bases that are there? I am going to be stationed there and would like to know the people are going to give me a hard time. thanks
panzer415 1 year ago
@panzer415 Yes and no... some people resent them (depending on the location of the base) some don't care. Just remember, it's not so much about where you are, you will still be a foreigner in this country. Don't worry, no one is completely hostile towards foreigners, just make sure not to do anything wrong in japanese society standards and you won't have any problems.
Nermal83 1 year ago
Why do you think tattoos is still tabu in such a well developed land as Japan?
kaioystein 1 year ago
@kaioystein The ol´ dude didn´t reply to your comment, so I will: just think about the Yakuza! The Japanese mafia. It´s members are covered with tattoos, so I guess it should come as no surprise that in Japanese society the first thing they associate tattoos with would be gangsters and criminals. The other thing would be missing fingers, which is also a typical thing for Yakuzas, because if they´ve done something bad they´ll be punished by cutting off fingers. Hard time for foreign craftsmen ...
Leecher4711 1 year ago
@Leecher4711 You should see the bodies Yakuza leave behind, they found 12 bodies all shot and stabbed MULTIPLE times WAY WAY more than you need to kill someone, limbs hacked off and one guys upper body had been smashed in an elevator...no wonder Japanese are not fond of Yakuza..
lordpoee 1 year ago
@lordpoee I guess whatever slightly reminds them of any of that would be discredited, even if its as harmless as a tottoo ... well, harmless for us! No, I perfectly understand that. I never could get around to get a tattoo myself, because I just know that I might not like the very picture in a year or two any more. Now Im quite glad I ain´t got one! Well, at least it makes things easier in Japan I guess ... (^_^)
Leecher4711 1 year ago
i like how you take time to read EVEN the long comments and respond to them...really worth subscribing to you ^.^
PnoyBoi4Ever 1 year ago 32
@PnoyBoi4Ever
I read every comment (a few hundred a day)
But don't have time to respond to them all.
Thanks for watching and for your kind words.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago 30
Japan sounds like my kind of place...no people with ink on there body...and all that...
Thanks for sharing these videos, without these I wouldn't have known how much of a good culture they have.
NinjaDuck1337 1 year ago
Luckily even though I have several large tattoos I can easily cover them with long sleeves/pants. Guess I won't be getting into any onsen or water parks though...
insainbassist 1 year ago
What about the yakuza? How is the attitude toward them?
birddogg62 1 year ago
what about washable tattos? sure they come off, but in america kids can buy them at the dollar store. What is the japanese perspective on these? The same?
ayendal 1 year ago
I am in the US and I am female. I met a woman from Japan in my real estate school. Over 2 months of classes we became good friends. I was the person she came to for questions on US culture.. After a yr + of being friends we went to a water park and she saw that I have a large tattoo of a peacock and flowers on my thigh & hip. She freaked but became ok after explaning that it covered a scar & had nothing to do with crime but it did shock her and it took a long time for her to really be ok with it
shananagans5 1 year ago
I have a small tattoo on my wrist,a medium size tattoo on my shoulder/upper arm,upper back and ribs.( it was a stupid decision,when i was younger) i'm an asian. but i don't really like to show it,but how would people in japan look at us , especially if you are already friends with them and you decide to come clean and tell truth?will the reaction be from the male and female friends or different and if it is different,how so?
louiscolby 1 year ago
@louiscolby
See the video above.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago 9
I've noticed that a wide majority of Japanese musicians do not have tattoos. However, Kyo from Dir en Grey does usually perform onstage with his shirt off and expose his tattoos and Hazuki from lynch. also has tattoos that are sometimes showing but a lot of times covered up.
gow1021 1 year ago
this video does bring up some good points, but i feel it might be different on where you live. now, i live in osaka which is a big city with tons of gajiin. i have two big tattoos and a lip piercing. i think people see me and think "oh another tattooed gaijin" but in the country it might be a different story. however, i try my best to respect other people and hide my tattoos as much as i can.
earthsfirefly 1 year ago
I have a small tattoo on my forearm, about 4-5 inches long, and when I was in Japan everyone loved it. All the girls wanted to touch it. I can only assume that it's because it's small, and of something harmless, a fish. I never went to an onsen or a water park while I was there, I never got the chance, but I'll will next time I go, to see if it causes any trouble and I'll report back. I was told by my Japanese friends that since I'm American, and it's small, it will probably be ok... we'll see.
justin6string 1 year ago
@justin6string
everyone loved it?
Yes, they are very polite, aren't they ^_^
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago 39
@TheJapanChannelDcom That... is a very good point. My University also sent me to an all women's college, with me being one of like three guys there. It could have very well been that the girls were just happy to see a guy their own age. Ha!
justin6string 1 year ago
@justin6string They liked it eh? They werent just modest? ;)
stoffni 10 months ago
@justin6string read up on Honne & Tatamae
Cptraktorn 6 months ago
yeah, japan and china,people are often not in the stage of doing lots of tattoos, body modification or any of that yet
SpicyHam 1 year ago
I know that for Chinese people (like me), we consider the body a gift from your parents, and you shouldn't do anything that would disrespect the gift from your parents. So its frowned upon if you have a tattoo or piercing that isn't approved of by your parents. Even then, like Japan, a tattoo is considered "triad".
tohniaz 1 year ago
How do Japanese feel about facial hair/beards?
Sumowarrior 1 year ago
@Sumowarrior They can't grow facial hair very well. So, some people think it makes you look like a foreign movie star, others think it makes you look old. Either way, it should be well kept, none of that scraggly neck beard stuff.
justin6string 1 year ago
What about getting a tattoo in japan?
B1rdbrain 1 year ago
@ToyFacee haha i see so its just fine to have piercings in japan^_^
masaru09 1 year ago
@masaru09 Depends on what and where...Japanese people tend to have different standards for foreigners than they do for Japanese people. I heard "Oh, but you're foreign, so it doesn't really matter" a lot. Like they expect us all to look like circus freaks.
justin6string 1 year ago
@justin6string
Yes.. and they also tend to say things to make us feel better.. even if it isn't true and even if it isn't what they are really thinking.. don't they.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago
@TheJapanChannelDcom That is true, take their compliments with a grain of salt.
justin6string 1 year ago
ah..too late for me
ninimeru 1 year ago
what about piercings???
masaru09 1 year ago
A lot of tattoo styles in America where learned and picked up from Japan after WWII. Are you sure you just don't live in very conservative area?
phongbong 1 year ago
@phongbong At the beginning of the Meiji period the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality.
Tattooing was legalized by the occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan still ban customers with tattoos.
misterbearbe 1 year ago
Tattoos are pretty much connected Yakuza (Japanese Maffia) and other gangs.
misterbearbe 1 year ago
@misterbearbe u got yakusa from tokyo drift lol
kawaiiableSushi 1 year ago
@kawaiiableSushi What? Never seen that movie but I just know that Japanese maffia (Yakuza) often have tattoos there are public buildings and private buildings that prohibiting tattooed guests from entering. Just because they dont want to deal with possible Yakuza.
misterbearbe 1 year ago
@misterbearbe ohhh right sorry, im wrong :/ thanks for explaining :)
kawaiiableSushi 1 year ago
@kawaiiableSushi its alright just trying to help and inform ;-)
misterbearbe 1 year ago
The bit about onsen and waterparks is a bit too absolute in my experience. I've got a little tattoo on my forearm that's been plainly visible when I go to those places, and I've never been hassled. I think it's a bit like the mandatory seat belt law in the states: people won't give you a hard time about it on its own, but if they already don't like you, it's a convenient excuse.
mcilleagle 1 year ago
Kind of unrelated but still related to the video:
You're driving with one hand on the wheel, is that allowed in Japan?
Also:
Is it allowed to talk on the phone while driving?
lpasepok 1 year ago
@lpasepok - you need one hand off the wheel to shift gears in a manual car (see his leg working the clutch pedal?). I can't help you with the talking-on-phone-while-driving thing.
JBofBrisbane 1 year ago
@JBofBrisbane
Oh yeah, of course.
lpasepok 1 year ago
Darn...
TheCaliger 1 year ago
If they assume i'm a bad person because they only see my tattoos
who gives a fuck what they think?
That's characteristics of a shallow person.
AgrivatedKillah 1 year ago 2
maybe its a kana of my mothers name or a loved one
manufacturedfracture 1 year ago
what about cooks/chefs? here in america, ink on cooks and or chefs are popular. is it acceptable in japanese restaurants?
AnimeFreak120689 1 year ago
@AnimeFreak120689 What part of the States do you live in o.0? That sounds kinda odd.
kphamu 1 year ago
@kphamu home base is in CA, School in NY and work in Chicago and I see them quite a lot in each state
AnimeFreak120689 1 year ago
What about public beaches? Are tattoos just looked don upon there or are people with tattoos not allowed there? I already had my tattoo done before seeing this video/any jvloger's video on tattoos (wish I had I would have waited a few years). Thankfully it is easily covered up.
OceanInTheDesertPro2 1 year ago
@HeroCasey Ahhh. >_< Missed that I guess. Hahaha.
DeathNoteKira 1 year ago
I've been wondering about this, guess it's a good thing I can easily cover mine...thanks for the good explanation.
insainbassist 1 year ago
Can I guess that Celebrities will get away with Tatoos? Because Miyavi has plenty of tatoos and he seems to be very popular. Therefore, I thought tatoos were welcomed?
EKUNUMA 1 year ago
Comment removed
lovinmymusic4life 1 year ago
@EKUNUMA lol i thought about Miyavi too :P
lovinmymusic4life 1 year ago
@lovinmymusic4life Yes, I saw your last message. I don't really know if jrocks (or celebrities get away with it) But I would really like to know how Miyavi is thought of in Japan. Because he is LOADED with tattoos and piercings.
EKUNUMA 1 year ago
awh gutted beacuse i love japan and i love tatoos and i plan on gettinga few ill justhave to hide them when i finally get to go there lol i love your videos x
MoPpY247 1 year ago
lol omfg. whats with all the stupid questions? the man said NO TATTOOS. jesus.
ChrisAFM 1 year ago
What if my mother have a tatto of a fish and her husband name and my step father had a tattoo of his wife and kids name will they be able to get a job
rythmbeatboc 1 year ago
Does it have anything to do with the Yakuza? Probably not but, I was just wondering. :3
DeathNoteKira 1 year ago
@DeathNoteKira Yes it does.
misterbearbe 1 year ago
What about scars?
TROLLERSDELIGHT 1 year ago
I had 2 tattoo's on my upper arms that were always covered by my shirt, BUT, I recently got a new tattoo on my left lower forearm. Obviously, cannot be covered up well unless wearing long sleeves. You got me scared with this video dude, as I am planning to move to Japan in about 4 years. I am married to a Japanese woman, met the whole family and friends about 2 years ago. They all know I have tattoo's and "luckily", they don't care. Love the How to videos anyway...thanks
LC5860 1 year ago
At the beach last summer there was a sign saying no Japanese style tattoo's. I saw quite a few japanese, and me, with showing tattoo's. But there weren't many older people there. More a young persons scene. My freind works at a snack bar and she wears a patch over her tattoo on her wrist. She says she'd be fired if people knew she had it. I had to go to an onsen really late at night to get in with my tattoo's, so nobody else was there.
renvaar 1 year ago
i saw this video when you posted it, but i was thinking of getting a tattoo, and i remembered you had this video... i was gonna get honor written on me in japanese somewhere... dont think i should though cause i wanna go to japan and not be frowned upon haha
00invader0 1 year ago
im here thinking what japanese think about scars coz i have fucked myself pretty bad few times
koukku23 1 year ago
Tatoos in Japan...DON'T DO IT!!!!!
Chuloloc 1 year ago
your video's on HOw to - are the best.
antking1117 1 year ago
Well, I'm from Sweden where tattoos are accepted but I still get turned off by a girl with tattoos. Big time.
Molterno 1 year ago
if your an american without any tattoos, does that make you any more attractive to Japanese girls, being tattoos are so common in the US?
evelratz 1 year ago
@evelratz i think its more, you have less AGAINST you then anything for you. they will be looking for respectable males
mandowarrior123 1 year ago
if your an american without any tattoos,does that make you any more attractive to japanese girls, being tattoos are so common in the US?
evelratz 1 year ago
Great video thanks alot.
rone6000 1 year ago
i was wondering what Japanese think about piercings ,
like facial or on the body
what would be they're thoughts or reactions ?
i mean ive seen some japanese pictures where in like harajuku a guy had alot of facial piercings ,
if you could answer it would be so great :)
RichieHasToShowYou 1 year ago 2
@RichieHasToShowYou
Already answered that a dozen times on this page.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago
@TheJapanChannelDcom i understand the peircings in "crazy places" like eyebrows and things can be uncool even in western countries but are piercings on the ear lobe normal or OK?
dendara100 1 year ago
so im from america and i plan on going to japan in the next few months..
does that mean id have to take them out?
i LOVE them though...?
i mean i've seen jrockers with snakebites before, probably casue i would be a foreigner right?
if anyone knows the awnser to this, please let me know :D
sasukesound123 1 year ago
@sasukesound123 i mean do i have to take out my snakebites
sasukesound123 1 year ago
What if you have earnings in your ears? and what about children that have washable tattoos are they mislead ?
lizziety 1 year ago
when i get in the royal marines and i will i am going to get the symbole on my arm will that be seen as a symbol of pride or just point blank frowned apon coz its a tattoo
RandyNumNutz 1 year ago
if you already have a tattoo, start looking in the cosmetics department for your skin tone :)
Clearie552 1 year ago
Are there Any tattoo shops or are they all underground??
liveouss 1 year ago
but their is gangster over in japan in some poor parts of it
Mickyak4 1 year ago
guess thats what you get when they used tattoo's to mark criminals in the old days :p
Rowie1337 1 year ago
what about if youre a guy and you have piercings?
R1Tests4U 1 year ago 2
@R1Tests4U
Foreigner with piercings.. i would take them out.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago
@TheJapanChannelDcom oh man that sucks. what if you are like in a band or something idk lol.
R1Tests4U 1 year ago
ooooo not good!! I already have one. crap.
kitlanholster 1 year ago
i have a friend who has a tattoo of an anime charater. what do you think people will think? it's the main the main charater from full metal alcemist
kidzero22 1 year ago
@kidzero22
Tattoo is a tattoo.. wont matter much what it is.
TheJapanChannelDcom 1 year ago
Yet another reason to love Japan. I see all of these people wanting to look cool, but what is cool today is retarded tomorrow. The dumbest part of their thinking is, Oh...I'll just get them lazered off down the road. If a person really needs to get a tatoo they should get one on their butt that says "This side up".
IronJawJim 1 year ago
@IronJawJim no, not ALL people think like that.i look at tattoos as art.I got my 3 in places that no one can see unless i want them to. I also had my 2nd tattoo for 6 months before anyone cept for my close friends saw them. I dont go around wearing tank tops or having my shirt off showing them like a lot of people like to do.I would never get mine lasered off as well.You may not share the same idea as me but dont be a jerk about it.
BelowZero16 1 year ago