Luis Samayoa (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
I got my first tattoo at a very young age in a garage when I was living in California. My first studio tattoo was done in a parlor when I was stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C. I eventually fell into the routine of getting a tattoo or two done everywhere I was stationed or visited as a kind of stamp of memory. Now married to a tattoo artist and living in Japan, my perspective on tattoos has changed.
Although she’s been a tattoo artist for years, my wife now regrets most of the pieces on her body due to the Japanese culture and views on tattoos not changing fast enough. I’m starting to feel the same way. I have learned that my tattoos have put limitations on me in Japan. Despite not having Yakuza Tebori art designs on my body, I still feel judged or excluded when I am out and about.
I can’t visit most onsens, public baths and water parks because I have anime tattoos. Even at our wedding venue, we were told to cover our tattoos (per management policy) when we were inside the facility. I like Japan, but I am starting to get frustrated over the outdated stigmas.
From this feeling, I have learned to appreciate my time in Korea more since their society seems to be more understanding and accepting of tattoos. Although there are still a few places that restrict foreigners and tattoos in Korea, it is nowhere as strict as it is in Japan. The longer I am here, the more interested I am in removing all my tattoos and just having plain skin.
I have always found the the fear (or stigma) of gangs and yakuza in Japan fascinating. The few Yakuza members I have met through my wife’s work, all treated me kindly and were accepting. But when I am on the train or out in the countryside, my wife and I feel excluded because of our tattoos.
Though I’m not sure if I’ll ever remove any, let alone all my tattoos, I am at a crossroads because my wife and I initially had plans to stay in Japan long-term. I never imagined I would regret getting them, but here I am.
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
