Tourists come to see the beauty, the tattoo artist in Nhat Ban always changes his nails, and develops this art form.
Extracted from an article in the Japan Times, referring to the efforts of the Japanese tattoo community to dispel prejudices about the art form of "ink painting on the body".
Thirty years ago, Shodai Horiren got his first tattoo on a trip to Australia. Now, the 52-year-old is one of Japan's most famous tattoo artists.
After 3 decades of pursuing her passion, Horiren is covered with traditional tattoos from head to toe. For her, the art has become an important part of her life.
"Tattoos will forever be imprinted on the body, until we close our eyes and hands," said artist Shodai Horiren. Photo: Reuters.
“Houses may deteriorate, lovers may leave, children will tatkuink clothing grow up. But the tattoo will forever be imprinted on the body, until we close our eyes, "shared the female artist.
In recent years, the Japanese tattoo community has grown stronger and stronger, constantly making efforts to eliminate prejudices and develop this unique art form.
According to Japan Times, the most popular topic is famous characters in legends. Under the artist's hands, the ink strokes become a part of the body, expressing the personality and personal style of each person.
Social prejudice with tattoos
Although widely accepted by young people, the art of tattooing still faces stiff opposition from Japanese public opinion.
In Japan, tattoos were associated with crimes and were used as punishment in the Kofun period (300-538). It was not until 1948 that this art form was legalized.
Today, some public baths, swimming pools, gyms and beaches in Japan still prohibit customers with tattoos. Previously, tattooists without a medical license were also considered illegal, subject to fines of more than $9,500 and up to three years in prison for breaking the medical practice act.
Last September, the Supreme Court of Japan overturned this rule. Accordingly, tattooing is an art form, unrelated to the health care field, so a medical license is not required to practice.
However, most people still reject tattoos because it is often associated with criminal gangs, typically the yakuza.
Efforts to eliminate the stereotype of tattooing are spoiled in Japan - Photo 2
In Japan, tattoos are stigmatized because they are often associated with images of criminal organizations. Photo: Reuters.
Sharing with Japan Times, Ms. Horiren expressed excitement when watching the Rugby World Championship because the players all showed off their tattoos during the competition.
"Most international athletes are proud of their ink marks on their bodies, but the Japanese players have to cover them up with armbands, long-sleeved shirts and foundation," said Horiren.
Previously, surfer and TV producer Takashi Mikajiri was banned from the beach if he did not cover his tattoo. “In America, nobody cares if you have a tattoo or not. Tattoos should be normalized in society.”
Positive changes
Thanks to the introduction of Western culture, especially music and movies, the people of the cherry blossom country are gradually changing their attitude to tattooing. More and more people are pursuing the art of "body painting", or have a positive view of the Japanese tattoo community.
“Some people want to engrave on their body pictures with Skull hoodies personal meaning, but I get a tattoo just because it's beautiful. It's like wearing stylish clothes," said Mari Okasaka, 48, a part-time worker. She got her first tattoo at the age of 28 and continues to pursue her passion to this day.
Efforts to eliminate the stereotype of tattooing are spoiled in Japan - Photo 3
Japanese tattoo followers differ in their backgrounds and occupations, but share the same love for ink. Photo: Getty.
Her love of tattoo art inspired her son Tenji (24 years old). He has a desire to cover his body with traditional and modern tattoos.
Contrary to public imagination, tattooists are open and friendly people. They are different in their backgrounds and occupations, but they share the same love for ink and often meet to talk and share about their tattoos.