How much does it cost to get a yakuza tattoo?

ISEHARA, Japan — They cost as much as $20,000, hurt like you wouldn’t believe and virtually guarantee pariah status in proper Japanese society. So why in the world would anyone seek such a thing?

Is it illegal to get Yakuza tattoos?

Associated with yakuza and crime, tattoos can get individuals — tourists or not — barred from certain establishments such as gyms, swimming pools, beaches, and elsewhere across Japan. But, these restrictions are shielded by the Olympic bubble.

How long does a yakuza tattoo take?

Each sitting for a tebori tattoo can take between 2 and 6 hours. The duration will be determined beforehand. It’s important that you sit as still as possible during this process.

What happens if you get a yakuza tattoo?

In the Edo period, criminals would get the Tokigawa symbol on the back of their necks to avoid the death penalty. But then the officials would just hack the skin off before they executed them. If you tattoo a family symbol it is a very serious crime, almost as bad as tattooing a first generation samurai symbol.

How much is a full body tattoo in Japan?

Anything larger and you’ll be charged by the hour, which is usually 7,000-15,000 yen an hour. A full-color tattoo the size of A4 paper costs, on average, 80,000 yen, and takes three 3-hour sessions over a 3-week period. Time is another thing to consider.

How are yakuza tattoos done?

What is tebori tattoo? The traditional Japanese method of hand tattooing using a slender bamboo or metal tool with a needle grouping attached to the tip. The tattoo is made by rhythmically working the ink into the skin by using a gentle poking technique depending on whether lines, color or shading is being performed.

Can I visit Japan if I have tattoos?

Suggestions for Tourists With Tattoos While tattoos are not illegal, they can prevent people from getting the full Japanese experience. When using public transportation in Japan, such as trains, tourists with visible tattoos will want to keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals.

Why do yakuza like to be tattooed?

“The tattoos are crucial to yakuza members,” according to Anton. They’re instead a “very personal depiction” of a scene from the yakuza member’s life, or something symbolically important to them – which is meant to show people the attributes that person is known for.