タトゥー

• Reading: タトゥー
• Romaji: tatū
• Pronunciation: /ta.tɯː/

Meaning

Tattoo; still carrying social stigma in Japan due to historical yakuza associations, though attitudes are gradually shifting among younger generations.

タトゥー in Japan occupies a complex cultural space. Due to the strong association between traditional 刺青 (irezumi) and yakuza, tattoos of any kind still trigger automatic bans at most onsen (hot springs), public pools, gyms, and beaches. However, younger Japanese increasingly view small fashion tattoos (ワンポイント) as distinct from full-body yakuza ink. The word タトゥー itself is used specifically for modern Western-style tattoos, as opposed to 刺青 (irezumi) for traditional Japanese tattoos.

Examples

1. タトゥー入れたいけど、温泉入れなくなるの困るんだよね。 I want to get a tattoo, but it'd be a pain not being able to go to hot springs.
2. 海外だとタトゥーは普通なのに日本だとまだ偏見あるよね。 Tattoos are totally normal overseas, but there's still prejudice in Japan.
3. ワンポイントのタトゥーならバレにくいから最近増えてるらしい。 Apparently small, discreet tattoos are becoming more common since they're easier to hide.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, body modification, cultural discussion, travel

Tone: matter-of-fact, sometimes controversial

Do Say

• タトゥー入れてる人って就活のとき隠すの大変そう。 (People with tattoos must have a hard time hiding them during job hunting.)
• 小さいタトゥーなら気にならないけどな。 (I wouldn't mind a small tattoo.)

Don't Say

• 初対面でタトゥーについて詮索するのはマナー違反 (Prying about someone's tattoos on first meeting is bad manners)

Common Mistakes

• Not understanding the practical consequences — having visible tattoos in Japan means being turned away from onsen, pools, gyms, and some public facilities

Origin & History

From English 'tattoo.' The loanword タトゥー is specifically used for modern Western-style tattoos, distinguishing them from traditional 刺青 (irezumi). Usage increased from the 2000s as tattoo culture gradually gained younger adherents despite ongoing social stigma.

Cultural Context

Era: 2000s loanword adoption, gradual attitude shift

Generation: Younger generations (20s-30s) most accepting

Social background: Countercultural, gradually mainstreaming

Regional notes: Used across Japan. Social stigma remains strong, especially in business and public bathing settings. Some tattoo-friendly onsen are now marketed to tourists.