Westernization and Cultural Resistance of Tattooing Practices in Contemporary Japan

and sheds light on attempts by traditional tattooists to retain a vital presence in the modern-to-postmodern transitional periods. Explaining the values, beliefs and practices associated with tattooing during the pre-modern period, it discusses how these are shaped and modified by modern cultural practices, and how they are being impacted by globalization. While drawing on historical and cross-cultural research on tattooing in Japan, this article incorporates three tattooists’ experiences as examples of contemporary practices. By resisting the impact of globalization, traditional tattooists preserve their own practices and pass them on to the next generation. ● K E Y W O R D S ● authenticity ● cultural resistance ● Japan ● marginality ● popular culture ● subculture ● tattoo ● tattooing ● westernization The recent popularity of tattoos has created polarized attitudes toward tattooing practices in Japan. On the one hand, more tattooists and tattooees openly present themselves as members of a tattoo culture in which tattoos are considered marks of self-expression. On the other hand, it is evident that negative views of tattoos remain strong. The sign, ‘No Tattooed People Allowed’, is overtly displayed in public places such as saunas and pools, even though tattooing is not illegal. Due to historical and sociocultural conditions, tattoos were often associated with criminal activities (e.g. tattooing was a gangster custom) and rebellion against society (e.g. going against Confucian teaching). This negativity surrounding Japanese tattooing still persists. As a result, the popularity of tattoos may also confuse Japanese tattooists. The appearance of tattoo conventions in Japan suggests that tattooing has gained the