For many countries around the world, tattooing is considered an art, but in contrast in Japan, it is stigmatized. So why are tattoos stigmatized in Japan? Let's answer questions with Visadep.
Why are tattoos stigmatized in Japan?
Tattoos are stigmatized in Japan because Japanese people think they are symbols of criminals and debt collectors. From there, a feeling of fear and not daring to contact is born.
The Japanese art of tattooing originated and skull clothing developed very early, before that tattoos only meant as jewelry and spiritual beliefs.
But since the 6th century, criminals in Japan have often been marked with inscriptions or pictures.
Gradually these criminals began to tattoo their bodies to show their prestige to the common people, known as the Yakuza.
The Yakuza practice from drug trafficking, prostitution, gambling, personal loan sharking or political extortion so that people breed fear and discrimination against people with tattoos, even though other countries admire the art of tattooing in Japan.
Originating from the ancient Edo period culture, people who follow bad organizations in society often tattoo their bodies to mark their joining a certain gang, this is still influential in today's society.
That's why the Japanese have a bad impression of people with tattoos on their bodies.
Effects of tattooing on going to Japan
Learning
If you have large tattoos that expose your arms, neck, etc., there's a tendency that you won't pass the language school interview. And of course, you can't impress employers when you want to work part-time to earn income. In the classroom you will also be discriminated against by teachers, Japanese friends will not want to play or get involved with a person with a tattoo.
In the work
Japanese people have a lot of prejudice against people with mens skull sweater tattoos, whether small or large, if others know, they will look at you with unfriendly eyes.
When you have a tattoo, you will be subject to the following:
The opportunity to go to work abroad becomes more difficult
Applying for a part-time job will be more difficult
People and colleagues will not sympathize with you
Difficulty in renting a house or participating in community activities in Japan