Yakuza film has been one of very popular genres in Japan. People want to see realistic yakuza tattoo ("Irezumi") on actors.

Kyoto, Japan – The Toy Film Museum in Kyoto is hosting a fascinating exhibition titled "The World of Seiji Mouri: Tattoos in Movies and TV Dramas". This unique exhibition highlights the illustrious career of Seiji Mouri, a Kyoto resident who, at 94 years old, has spent over 40 years as both an actor and a tattoo artist at Toei Kyoto Studio.

Mouri's expertise and innovative techniques have graced numerous Toei and NET (now TV Asahi) productions, such as "Showa Zankyo Den" (from the fourth film onwards), "Hibotan Bakuto," "Jingi Naki Tatakai," and the "Toyama no Kin-san" series. His work includes tattooing more than 2000 actors, including 150+ famous stars like Ken Takakura, Koji Tsuruta, Junko Fuji, Hideki Takahashi, Hiroki Matsukata, Ken Matsudaira, and Reiko Takashima.

The exhibition, supported by the Toei Uzumasa Movie Village and the Film Library, will feature an array of Mouri’s tattoo sketches, photos, scripts, and posters from Toei Co., Ltd., Toei Uzumasa Movie Village, and Yoshimi Yamamoto. These items, along with video footage, provide a comprehensive look at Mouri’s contributions and the evolution of tattooing in Japanese cinema and television from the 1960s to the 2000s.

 Understanding Tattoo Culture in Japan

While tattoos can be seen as a form of art and self-expression, they carry a different connotation in Japan. Many Japanese people associate tattoos with the yakuza, or organized crime groups. This long-standing stigma means that tattoos are often seen as symbols of criminal affiliation rather than personal adornment.

Historically, the yakuza have popularized tattoos, making them an integral part of their identity. As a result, seeing someone with a tattoo in public can evoke fear or suspicion. For instance, incidents such as a man with a large tattoo causing a commotion at a public swimming pool, leading to police intervention, reinforce these negative perceptions.

However, it's important to note that not everyone with tattoos in Japan is involved in criminal activity. In some cases, individuals with tattoos can be seen enjoying time with their families at public baths, challenging the stereotype that all tattooed individuals are troublemakers.

Public venues in Japan, such as swimming pools, saunas, hot springs, and public baths, often display signs prohibiting entry to individuals with tattoos. This policy serves as a practical measure to deter yakuza members, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all patrons. Unfortunately, this blanket rule can also exclude non-criminal tattooed individuals from these spaces.

<<Tattoo OK public bath and swimming pool list in Japan here!>>

 Navigating Public Spaces with Tattoos in Japan

For those who wish to enjoy public baths or swimming pools in Japan, it is essential to find tattoo-friendly establishments. Several resources provide lists of places where tattoos are accepted, allowing tattooed individuals to enjoy these facilities without concern.

Exhibition Schedule:

- Phase 1: May 1, 2024 (Wednesday) to June 16, 2024 (Sunday) – Films from the 1960s and 1970s.

- Phase 2: June 19, 2024 (Wednesday) to July 28, 2024 (Sunday) – Films from the 1980s onwards.

- Full Exhibition: Ongoing TV drama works throughout both phases.

Admission: 1000 yen (18 years and older, cash only). Admission is restricted to individuals 18 years and older.

Venue: 

Toy Film Museum 

29-1 Mibubanba-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8805 

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

This exhibition not only showcases the intricate artistry of tattooing but also serves as a significant cultural record, offering insights into the history and impact of tattoos in Japanese film and television. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this rare and enlightening collection!

<<Big Japan's Swimming Pool List You should NOT miss!! >>

For those who wish to enjoy public baths or swimming pools in Japan, it is essential to find tattoo-friendly establishments. Several resources provide lists of places where tattoos are accepted, allowing tattooed individuals to enjoy these facilities without concern.

Interestingly, if you're sporting a tattoo, your best bet is to seek out private accommodations. Many may wonder, "Where can a tattooed celebrity like Johnny Depp enjoy a hot spring in Japan?" The most viable option is private or exclusive rentals. You can go with your tattoo to virtually any private setting, such as:

A private hot spring in your hotel room.

A private sauna.

A swimming pool that you've rented exclusively.

<<Great Hot Spring - Private bath of hotels/ryokan in Japan for Spring and Summer>>

<<Great Hot Spring - Private bath of hotels/ryokan in Japan for Autumn and Winter>>

<<Private hot spring hotels/inns have no problem with tattoos! Check the list>>

We made and keep updating a list for those who wants to enjoy taking public bath/swimming pool etc.

 Check this Tattoo ok/friendly bath/swimming place list for Japan (and you can list if you find one for others with tattoo who want to enjoy public bath in Japan).  Again there is no guarantee that you can get in. Even if you call up one of these places from the list, the staff may say "NO" as "an official response" even where you can in fact. 

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<<Private hot spring hotels/inns have no problem with tattoos! Check the list for autumn and winter>>

<<Private hot spring hotels/inns have no problem with tattoos! Check the list for spring and summer>>

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Source: Wikipedia

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