No Tattoos Allowed

Anyone who knows even the smallest amount about Japanese culture knows of the connection between the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) and tattoos. It has always been an easy way to determine who is a regular person of good character and who is a Mafia member.

Thus rather than directly refusing entry to the Mafia, it's easier to simply ban tattoos in general.

I was a little surprised when I came across this sign at the station recently.




It reads (taken from the Summerland Website)

As a general rule, people affiliated with mobsters or criminal organizations are not allowed to enter the premises. The same applies to people wearing tattoos. This rule will become effective on 1 July 2008 and applies to the entire premises of Tokyo Summerland. Any people found to be ignoring the above rule will be asked to leave.
※Tattoos: including body sticker and body paint.

While to some this may be a surprising form of discrimination, to me it's a part of Japanese culture. In the west the idea of getting a tattoo is an expression of rebellion, the freedom to mutilate your body in any way you see fit. You are free to call it "art" and I am free to call it a "tramp stamp".

Here in Japan tattoos are a mark of criminal association or bad character. Just because it's tolerated back home, don't expect it to be tolerated here.