History of Japanese Tattoos
– Tattoos in Japan date back to at least the Jōmon period, around 10,000 BC.
– Tattoo designs were observed in the Yayoi period, with spiritual and status significance.
– Early records suggest that tattooing traditions were limited to certain groups, such as the Tsuchigumo people.
– In the Kofun period, tattoos began to be used as a punishment for criminals.
– The Edo period saw the development of tattoos as an advanced art form, influenced by woodblock printing and popular novels.
Ainu Tattoos
– The Ainu people of northern Japan have a tradition of tattooing for decorative and social purposes.
– Ainu women were often tattooed on the hands, forearms, and mouths.
– Tattoos were used to signify adulthood, protect against disease, and for aesthetic purposes.
– Few Ainu people today have these traditional tattoos.
– Ainu tattoos were practiced by both men and women.
Japanese Tattoos in the Edo Period
– Tattoos in the Edo period served various purposes, including punishment and decorative trends.
– Tattooed marks were used as a punishment for criminals.
– Decorative tattoos became popular, with designs that would be completed when lovers’ hands were joined.
– Woodblock artists began practicing tattooing, using similar tools and ink as for woodblock printing.
– Firemen wore tattoos for spiritual protection.
Tattoos in Modern Japan
– Tattooing was outlawed in Japan during the Meiji period, leading to a stigma against tattoos.
– Traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza (mafia) and were seen as a sign of criminality.
– Tattooing was legalized in 1948 but continued to be stigmatized.
– Many businesses in Japan still ban customers with tattoos, including public baths and fitness centers.
– The Supreme Court of Japan ruled in 2020 that tattoos could be performed by non-medical professionals.
Stigmatization and Accessibility of Tattoos in Japan
– Tattoos continue to be stigmatized in Japan, despite gaining popularity among the youth.
– Finding a tattoo shop in Japan can be difficult, with most shops located in tourist or US military-friendly areas.
– Tattoos are still banned in many public establishments, including hot springs.
– The Japan Tattooist Organization was formed to provide hygiene and safety courses for tattoo artists.
– Tattoos in Japan have been influenced by Western culture but retain their association with criminality. Source URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irezumi
