Tattoo in the Onsen

In Japan public baths, and Onsen (Hot Springs) often have
policies that people with tattoos cannot use the facilities.

"IREZUMI - DEISUI NO KATA NO NYUUYOKU HA, GOENNRYOUKUDASAI."

This roughly translates into..

"Persons with Tattoos, or who have consumed a heck of a lot of alcohol, please refrain from entering the onsen."

Heh.

My friend entered anyway. Some other Japanese friends tell me
that these signs aren't necessarily meant to keep people with small little fashionable tatoos like this out of the onsen.

The real purpose is to keep out Yakuza, who tend to have full body tattoos'
like this...

And these....

Here are some Yakuza movies if you're interested...

Because Tattoo = Yakuza, and Yakuza in Onsen = Scared customers.

Gotta protect the "WA" 和。

-Harvey

Posted by Harvey at January 14, 2005 09:08 PM