How do the Japanese view western people with tattoos? especially those with Japanese character tattoos? or does it matter as long as they are not offensive like vulgar words?

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You can't show tattoos at gyms or at some beaches. You aren't allowed to enter hot springs or pools or certain public spas if you have a tattoo. They say it's because there is a strong connection with Yakuza and tattoos and people are afraid of Yakuza. But in today's day and age, I just think it's a legal way to blindly discriminate against foreigners haha. I have spoken to many Japanese though that general do have an unfounded fear or disgust for tattoos. So maybe it really is just a cultural thing. In any case, it will slowly change.

I have a tattoo and mostly people respond positively towards it or with surprise. Younger people tend to think they are cool as opposed to older generations.

I have a tattoo and mostly people respond positively towards it or with surprise. Younger people tend to think they are cool as opposed to older generations.

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@cpatterson Most beaches are fine. I have only seen pictures of signs saying cover tattoos when it comes to beaches. I have never had a problem there. You might get a few stares or second glances but nothing too bad.

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@cpatterson no problem!

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@HiroOtani They say that, but it doesn't make any sense to not allow a foreigner with a tattoo. I love Japan and love living here but it's really one of the only things that kind of bothers me. I hope this rule changes before Tokyo 2020.
I mean, do Japanese people think a white dude with a tattoo is Yakuza? I think it is common sense that 99 percent of foreigners have no connection whatsoever to Yakuza. How bad we're Yakuza that they decided to just ban all people with tattoos? It seems ridiculous to me. I try to be understanding about differences in culture and society, but sometimes it is difficult to understand.

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@amenoshita Haha yeah of course there are. But I would make the argument that the foreign Japanese born Yakuza population is insignificant in comparison.

It just seems like a very narrow minded rule and means of discrimination. Regardless of what I want, I am treated different because of my race. It's like that anywhere in the world. 
I just really don't see the point of a general ban on tattoos when it's pretty easy to tell whether or not someone is Yakuza or not. And if even if you can't tell, maybe some type of policy could be set in place. Like, if you have a tattoo, you could sign a waiver saying you have no affiliation with any Yakuza organization.

I just think the logic is kind of flawed.
Some bad people have tattoos. 
Ban all people who have tattoos.

I understand Japan is a different country with it's own set of ideas and such, but it really doesn't make sense to me. As more and more foreingers come here to visit or live, they will be missing out on a really great part of Japanese culture as a result of this rule. 
I am sure it will change slowly.

What do you think about the rule? Do you think it should continue to exist or would you be okay with it changing?

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@amenoshita oh I didn't notice you wrote more.

Your country is racist as well in many other subversive ways. Every country is.

Umm, you're being selective with your arguments and making comparisons that don't make sense.

You're over simplifying America's racial issues as well. It's not as simple as you put it. In any case, it was interesting discussing this topic with you. But this is probably going to go nowhere from here. Agree to disagree.

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@amenoshita I think we just disagree on what racism is as well. I understand the scientific definition of race being three races but in today's modern context the word has taken on a much more complex definition.

I only felt like sharing my opinion because it's something I do feel strongly about and it affects me to some extent by living here.  As a foreigner here, I am more than happy to comply with the rules. At the same time, I still feel like I have a right to disagree with it. There are many things I don't know and probably won't understand. All I can do is do my best in keeping an open mind, I suppose and try to understand. It was good to hear your opinions about these types of subjects.

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@HiroOtani Rereading my initial comment, it seems I came off as abrasive, resulting in my spirited discussion with @amenoshita. I guess I feel rather strong about the situation. It's something I have to get used to living here. But I am hopeful that they will change the rule eventually.

HiroOtani · Answer

I think most of people don't care about western style tattoos. In most of public onsen places, people with tattoos are not allowed enter. It is only a way to discriminate Yakuza.

HiroOtani · Answer

@tab91 I understand how it is ridiculous to prohibit by only a reason of having a tattoo. In the past, in Japan, people having tattoos are only limited to ones who are in connection with Yakuza. At that time, the rule wasn't a controversial, because very few foreigners come to such places. They should change rules.

How do the Japanese view western people with tattoos? especially those with Japanese character tattoos? or does it matter as long as they are not offensive like vulgar words? Vedi una traduzione

@cpatterson Most beaches are fine. I have only seen pictures of signs saying cover tattoos when it comes to beaches. I have never had a problem there. You might get a few stares or second glances but nothing too bad.

@cpatterson no problem!

I think most of people don't care about western style tattoos. In most of public onsen places, people with tattoos are not allowed enter. It is only a way to discriminate Yakuza.

@HiroOtani Rereading my initial comment, it seems I came off as abrasive, resulting in my spirited discussion with @amenoshita. I guess I feel rather strong about the situation. It's something I have to get used to living here. But I am hopeful that they will change the rule eventually.

How do the Japanese view western people with tattoos? especially those with Japanese character tattoos? or does it matter as long as they are not offensive like vulgar words?