Hello! My lifelong friend and I are planning a potential trip to Japan in 2024 or 2025. I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of or foresight into my potential problems.
While he is a straight, cis man, I am not. I am a transman, and I also have some tattoos. I understand that often times tattoos are associated with the Yakuza, but I was wondering: would I be okay?
All four of my tattoos are on my forearms and are from Studio Ghibli. I also have facial piercings. I have been on hormones for the past 2 years and have just started passing in the US, and my name and gender marker will be changed before we travel as well.
5 comments
You’ll be fine. I’m fully tattooed, collar bone to fingertip, and while I might get a few “whoa!” glances no one says a thing. Most everyone in Japan knows that an obvious tourist with tattoos doesn’t have any relation to the local gangs.
I can’t speak on you being trans, but I can’t imagine that will be an issue either unless you tried to enter an onsen. People mind their own business in Japan for the most part.
Hey I think there was a post on here a month or two back about trans-friendly onsens in Japan. Might wanna search the sub. There’s also a cute Steam game about an mtf lady using an onsen called “one night hot springs!”
I think you’ll be fine. The tattoos might be an issue in some bathing facilities but ofherwise shouldn’t matter. Actually, you might be funneled to the male side by default in the bathing places that do allow tattoos, so if that bothers you maybe avoid onsens and sento.
Wait, somehow missed the part that you said you’re a transman. Assuming that being funneled to the male side wouldn’t be an issue then..? Might get stares, though, I have heard of cis dudes having their junk stared at due to being foreign.
Foreigners with tattoos are not considered gangsters, but people may stare.
I think you would be more sus if you looked Japanese and covered in irezumi, but these are hidden by real gangsters.
I’m sure no one is going to think your in the Yakuza.