Tattoos in Japan are still somewhat seen as taboo. It is mainly because of its association with the Yakuza. The Yakuza are organized crime gang members who ink their bodies with tattoos, usually to show loyalty to their organizations. Even though Japan has now legalized tattoos, there are still many parts of the country where it is not viewed favorably and thus bans people with them from public facilities such as – bathhouses, pools, gyms, etc.
Despite the stigma, many people right now, especially the young generations, have seen it as not much of a big deal. Some even ink it on their bodies but still hide them from public eyes in fear of stigmatization. Despite that, there are figures in the entertainment industry that don't seem to care. They have gone and inked their bodies and have even executed them with ease to the public. Here is a list of 10 such figures.
1. Namie Amuro
Namie is probably one of the most famous figures to have tattoos in the Japanese entertainment industry. She inked her first tattoo when she was the top idol. It was rare to do back then and would still be considered a scandal today. Her left arm has a tattoo in memory of her mother, who was murdered back in 1999. Under that, she has her son's name 'HARUTO.’ She has a tribal bracelet design and a barcode on her right arm, signifying her birthday. There is also a "Love Peace World" near her right wrist.
2. Miyavi Ishihara
The vocalist/guitarist's arms and torso are inked with tattoos that express his philosophy. His right arm is tattooed with the inscription "Tenjou tenka yuga dokuson" (I am the one and only. In heaven and on Earth). And his left arm bears the inscription "Isshougai bonzin Nari" (All my life I'm just a man)."
However, perhaps it is his back that is the most impressive. It is almost wholly covered with the Buddhist "Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra."
3. Ayumi Hamasaki
Pop queen Ayumi got a tattoo with her former boyfriend, Tomoya Nagase. After she broke up with him, she modified it fully, finishing the heart and adding a crown.
4. Nanase Aikawa
Veteran rock singer Nanase bears a ‘Love or die’ behind her left ear. The tattoo was proudly displayed on the cover of her 2009 single ‘Tattoo.’
5. Ryuchell
Ryuchell has a tattoo of his wife and son’s names on each arm. Even though he got criticized for it, he said he doesn’t plan on hiding them, nor is he planning to flaunt them either.
6. Mika Nakashima
Mika is a famous singer and actress. She has a purple lotus flower that starts at her lower back and text on her wrist that says ‘TRUST YOUR VOICE.
7. Chara
Chara is a famous singer and actress who are also well known for being a video jockey. She has a tattoo of a bird on her shoulder and a violet flower flowing down her neck.
8. Rie Miyazawa
Rie is one of Japan’s most prominent actresses. She is known for being the former fiancé of sumo wrestler Takanohano and for her years of fighting anorexia nervosa. She sports a small folded crane tattoo on her left shoulder blade.
9. Minako Hayashishita
Minako is a famous film actress. An elaborate tattoo of flowers and a phoenix adorns her back. It was displayed in her film ‘Hadaka no Minako.’
10. Hinano Yoshikawa
Hinano is an actress and model. A ribbon tattoo can be seen on her left ankle.
