Like many Japanese traditions, Japanese tattoos go back centuries. Archeologists believe the early settlers of Japan, the Ainu people practiced the art of facial tattoos. Reports going back 1700 years tell about the Wa people who covered their entire bodies with tattoos.
However, since the introduction of Chinese religion in Japan such as Confucianism and Buddhism, tattoos in Japan have been looked upon as a barbaric act and usually attached with organized crime and lower class values. Criminals were marked with tattoos to identify them in society.
During the Edo period in 1603-1868, tattoo art became part of the Ukiyo-e; the floating world culture. Body tattoos were used by laborers and firemen as well as prostitutes who decorated their body with the art to lure their potential customers. In 1720, the practice of tattooing criminals became an official punishment under law. Rings were tattooed on their arms for each crime that was committed or a character tattoo adorned their forehead. This continued until 1870 under the Meji government of the new Japanese Emperor. The men who remained with their tattoos of punishment found themselves on the outskirts of society. The former criminals settled on the formation of gangs which eventually led to the beginning of the yakuza-organized criminals in Japan in the 20th century.
Today the majority of the Japanese population still relates tattoos with the yakuza and lower class lifestyles. However, the younger population is slowing tampering this belief as Japanese inspired tattoos are a popular form of the art.
By Christine Pinella
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