Negative Associations of horimono: yakuza
Japanese Yakuza member (Image courtesy of Anton Kusters, Belgian photographer who spent two years with one of Japan's most notorious Yakuza gangs)
Japanese Yakuza (Image courtesy of A Drop of Ink) | Perhaps the largest reason why tattoos are generally frowned upon in Japanese society is because of their associations with the Yakuza, Japan's transnational organized street gangs. Tattoos have long been associated with crime in Japan. Starting during the Kofun period (300-600 AD) tattoos were issued as punishment for crimes. (This practice was not unique to Japan, nor were the Japanese the first to do it-- punitive tattoos were also common in ancient Greece). Most commonly, the punitive tattoos were marks or bands around the arms, but they were almost never pictorial designs. However, the practice of using tattoos as punishment continued through most of Japanese history until 1945 when the most recent ban on tattoos was lifted. Since that time, more and more Japanese have been getting tattoos. However, the Yakuza, being outlaws, were never especially concerned with the lawfulness of getting tattoos. They continued to get tattoos, but kept them concealed. Because of the bans on tattoos in Japan, the design of the tattoos changed to be more concealable. In fact, the Yakuza popularized a special style ofhorimonotattoo that was specifically designed to be large yet easily concealed. Yakuza tattoos, although they cover most of the body, always stop at the wrist, ankle, and neck. Additionally, there is usually a strip on non-tattooed area going down the middle of the chest. The tattoos were designed this way so that they could be easily concealed under a kimono. Today, the design also works well to conceal the tattoo under a business suit. |
At this point, one may ask, why do the Yakuza get tattoos if they keep them concealed most of the time? The answer is that the Yakuza value tattoos for the ritual of getting one just as much as they value the aesthetics. Yakuza tattoos represent bravery and dedication to the gang. Any man who commits himself to getting a Yakuzahorimonomust endure years of visits to the tattooist in order to complete the tattoo. Also, the tattoos typically cost $20,000-$30,000 (and sometimes more), so getting one is a major investment. Yakuza insist that the tattoos are used to signify strength and bravery and not for intimidation, but many Japanese are scared off when they encounter a person with ahorimono.
Since the decriminalization of tattoos, the number of non-Yakuza Japanese with tattoos has risen. Ironically, many yakuza now choose not to get tattooed because they want to avoid being immediately recognizable as a Yakuza member or being associated with organized crime. Tattoos are increasingly recognized as having associations to things other than the Yakuza. However, most traditionalhorimonomasters have retired or passed away and some say the traditional practice is quickly disappearing despite increased interest among non-Yakuza.
