Self Expression through Tattoos

SELF EXPRESSION:

Tattoos

So, it’s a given that tattoos are a very good way of expressing yourself. Like, you are literally placing imagery on your body. However, in some places around the world, Tattoos are a huge taboo and some of our students are experiencing the prejudice which comes with having tattoos.

Words by Amy Owen

17Fancy a trip to the beautiful country of Japan, with its serene and alluring nature? Or maybe it’s modern and exciting cities? Well one day you could see it all for yourself - just as long a you don’t have a tattoo. Okay, strictly speaking maybe that’s not true. But Japan is well known for its long history of disliking tattoos, and here’s why:

Since time began we have been creatures of fascination. We express ourselves like no other mammal. Whether it be through storytelling, dance, art or permanently marking our bodies with ink. Dramatic I know, but it’s true, tattoos are a big thing and for some, a way to tell the world who you are - or where you went on that lads’ holiday in 2015. Either way, it creates an identity, but for the Japanese it comes with an attached stigma that will get you banned from using their hot springs, public bathrooms and might even affect you getting a job. Of course, society is becoming more lenient to such things, but not long ago it was illegal to even have one.

This is down to the Yakuza gangs. An organised crime ring of gangsters who more currently are registered companies that trade off with official powers to give them some transparency (but obviously they are still shadey). They mark themselves with full bodied tattoos, meaning anyone with a tattoo could be seen as a gang member. These would all be done by hand from the neck all the way down to the feet. Yes - everywhere. This is where a bad reputation for tattoos first originated something that some of our older generations may still agree with. Because of this, the Meiji government banned tattoos for over 70 years. They described them as “barbaric” and this view was kept until the law was lifted in 1948, but the stigma hasn’t entirely gone away.

Within Japan there are still signs up today which restrict access to certain places for people with tattoos, whether it be their public bathrooms, swimming pools or even hotels. This is to keep up a reputation and attract certain types of people. A recent example of this is the Rugby

To us, Japan may have a very old-fashioned view on tattoos. But to them, our views are just as backwards. In the UK today, around 1 in 5 adults have a tattoo. They make a statement, tell a story... or maybe just your ex’s name. But they are a big part of our cultural identity. Today we see a lot of our role models and celebrities getting visible tattoos, even creating shows that are becoming popular in our society today. It’s no wonder people are wanting to get in on this trend. Examples such as Just Tattoo of Us (possibly one of the most painful puns conceived by mankind) and Tattoo Fixers have started a trend in making fun of bad tattoos. If you have a bad tattoo, it’s easy to get your five minutes of fame.

For international student, Meg, tattoos are a way to rebel. Meg is a half Japanese, half English student from Japan. All her life she was brought up with the message that tattoos are bad. In Japan they can affect your life in a big way, even changing the way your peers and family view you. When she moved to England it was a completely different story that changed her view of tattoos. She believes that “it’s your body and you should be able to do what you want with it”, which is why she got her very first tattoo last month.

She decided to get a wave on her ankle, which to her represents two big parts of her life. Firstly, her love of beaches and the ocean and secondly to remember the tsunamis that happened in Japan and to all those that lost their possessions, friends, family and lives.

Unfortunately, says she will never be able to tell her family about this, because they still hold

traditional opinions, and if they found out about her tattoo it would be very likely that they would disown her. However, these deeply entrenched views are beginning to shift. Meg believes that younger generations are starting to question why it’s so bad to mark your body, and believes one day Japan will have a totally new outlook on this.

So, for the moment, Japan still seems to hold its traditional views and a major change needs to happen, which will hopefully be coming soon. Tattoos are part of who we are as a generation and helps to express what makes us individuals. Whether they’re good or bad it should be our own choice. I mean what’s the worst that can happen?