History of
Tattooing in Japan

          In 1871, the Ainu had a much stricter ban but due to its spiritual and cultural importance, many women continued getting tattooed in secret (Fan 2020). Similar effects happened in Okinawa, where tattooing was a more female custom. However, Tokyo started to suppress Okinawan identity and from 1899 to 1904, almost 700 women were arrested for breaking the tattooing ban (Fan 2020). Between 1876 and 1946, police seized tools and artwork, raided studios, and discouraged displays of body ink, pushing tattooing to an "underground deviant craft in Japanese society" (Yamada 2019). 

          In 1948, Japan was occupied by the United States and after World War II, the banning and prohibitions against tattooing were lifted. However, having the ban lifted by Americans led many Japanese to resent tattoos even more. But, tattoo artists were now allowed to work and create without the fear of prosecution. Although there was a full legalization of tattooing it was outlawed among the young, below the age of eighteen in a "bid to protect minors" (Samel 2004), moreover, those who encourages minors to receive tattoos were penalized.