Article: Top 10 Most Japanese Stars Who Are Not Afraid To Flaunt Their Tattoos

In Japan still, tattoos are somewhat seen as taboo, which is mainly because of their association with the Yakuza which is an organized crime gang whose members ink their bodies with tattoos, to show their loyalty to the organization. Now in Japan, tattoos are legalized, but still, there are parts of the country where it is not viewed favorably and people are even ban from public facilities like gyms, bath houses, etc. Despite this, the younger generation doesn’t see it much as a big deal. Some people have tattoos but hide them from the public eye in fear. Many figures in the entertainment industry don’t seem to care what others think and flaunt their tattoos. The top ten Japanese stars who are not afraid to flaunt their tattoos are.

1. Minako Hayashishita

Minako Hayashishita is a famous film actress born in 1983. She is known for Bakusho! DaiNippon Akan keisatsu, Undressed Minako and Downtown DX. In the film Hadaka no Minako, we can see her tattoos of flowers and a phoenix adorn her back.

 

2. Chara

Miwa Watabiki, known as Chara, is a Japanese actress, singer, and video jockey. In 1991 she made her debut with the single Heaven. At the age of four, she started learning piano and, in elementary school, began composing songs. She got married to Tadanobu Asano in 1994. Chara and Tadanobu met on the film set of Picnic. She has two tattoos: a violet flower on her neck and a blue bird on her back.

 

3. Miyavi

Takamsa Ishihara, known as Miyavi, is a Japanese actor, singer, record producer, and guitarist. His torso and arms are inked with tattoos that express his philosophy. On his right hand, he has a tattoo, Due le quartz which is the name of his first band. His right arm shoulder tattoo is 天上天下唯我独尊 (I am the only one in heaven and earth). He has his whole body filled with various tattoos.  His most impressive one is on his back which is almost wholly covered with the Buddhist saying Heart of Perfect Wisdom Sutra.

 

4. Ryuchell

Ryuji Higa, known as Ryuchell, is a Japanese model represented by Starry Production. In 2016 he got married to Peco, a model. In 2018 they announced the birth of Link, their son. In 2022 he said he got divorced from his wife. He has a tattoo of his son's and wife’s names on each arm. Even though he was criticized for them, he said he didn’t plan on hiding them.

 

5. Mika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima is a famous singer and actress. In 2014 she got married to Kunihiro Shimizu, a volleyball player. However, in 2018 they announced they were getting divorced and separated on amicable terms, both saying that the time they had spent together was irreplaceable and they would remain friends. On her lower back has a purple lotus flower and a text that says Trust Your Voice on her wrist.

 

6. Namie Amuro 

Namie Amuro is one of the most famous figures in the Japanese entertainment industry to have a tattoo. Her first tattoo was when she was the top idol which was quite rare to do back then. In memory of her mother she has a tattoo, who was in 1999 murdered. She has her son’s name Haruto under that. She even has a tribal bracelet design and a barcode on her right arm, which signifies her birthday. Near her right wrist, there is also a Love Peace World.

 

7. Aikawa Nanase 

Aikawa Nanase is a Japanese singer. In 2001 she got married and had her first child, a boy. In 2007 she had her second child. She bears a Love or dies behind her left ear. The tattoo was proudly displayed on the cover of her single Tattoo, released in 2009.

 

8. Hinano Yoshikawa 

Hinano Yoshikawa is a Japanese singer, actress, and fashion model born in 179. At 14, she started her fashion model career and continues modeling. She made her acting debut in 1997 in Moonlight Serenade. In 1998 she appeared in her first TV series, The Last Song. On her left ankle has a ribbon tattoo.

 

9. Ayumi Hamasaki 

Ayumi Hamasaki is a Japanese model, singer, record producer, entrepreneur, actress, and songwriter born in 1978. In 1993 she moved to Tokyo to pursue a career in acting and singing. She got a tattoo from her former boyfriend, Tomoya Nagase. After breaking up with him, she modifies the tattoo entirely, finishing the heart and adding a crown.

 

10. Rie Miyazawa 

Rie Miyazawa is an actress and a former teen idol. She started her career as a child model. In 1988 she made her acting debut in the film Seven Day Ware. For this film, at the age of sixteen even won the Japan Academy Award for Newcomer of the Year. On her left shoulder blade sports a small folded crane tattoo.