Many young people wonder if it’s okay to go to Japan with tattoos. The specific decision will depend on the size of the tattoo and the scarring left after removal.
Many people who want to study or work in Japan and have tattoos are very concerned about whether it’s possible to go there. Nhat Huy Khang will provide a detailed explanation of this issue, so you can make an informed decision about your future career path.
Many people who want to work in Japan wonder if having tattoos prevents them from going there.
1. Can you go to Japan with tattoos?
Tattoos are a hobby for many people, especially young people. However, if you want to work in Japan, these tattoos can cause problems.
According to regulations, there are 13 groups of diseases that disqualify you from going to Japan, including: heart disease, respiratory disease, digestive disease, endocrine disease, kidney and urinary disease, neurological disease, mental disease, reproductive disease, bone and joint disease, dermatological and venereal disease, eye disease, ear-nose-throat disease, and dental and maxillofacial disease. Tattoos are classified as dermatological diseases.
However, in the last 5 years, the requirements for going to Japan have become less strict. If you remove your tattoos completely or only leave small scars, you may still be eligible to go to Japan. Generally, there are three cases regarding tattoos:
Those without tattoos can participate in all job orders if they meet the requirements.
If the tattoo has been removed leaving a small scar, you can choose jobs in animal husbandry, packaging, printing, garment making, mechanics, agriculture, etc.
For those with tattoos that cannot be removed, or whose removal leaves a large scar, they can only participate in jobs related to construction.
Nowadays, regulations regarding tattoos when going to Japan are less strict than before.
For cases where tattoos cannot be removed, or for large tattoos such as those covering the entire back, arms, or legs, it is best to contact labor export agencies for direct advice. Incomplete tattoo removal or large scarring will make it very difficult to go to Japan.
2. Why are tattoos not allowed in Japan?
Unlike many other countries, Japan still has many prejudices against tattoos. This stigma dates back to the Edo period (1603-1912) when tattoos were used by prisoners and prostitutes. During the Meiji period, tattoos were also considered illegal.
When mentioning tattoos, Japanese people easily associate them with the Yakuza gang or organized crime. This organization is often linked to illegal activities and violence. They often get tattoos for identification purposes as well as to intimidate ordinary people.
The Japanese have strong prejudices against tattoos.
Even today, many places in Japan are still strict about tattoos. Many hotels, Onsen (hot springs), Sento (public baths), Ryokan (traditional inns), etc., refuse to accommodate customers with tattoos.
Surely, the above reasons have helped you find the answer to the question: Can I go to Japan with tattoos? In Japan, most businesses will refuse to hire foreign workers with tattoos. Although this regulation has been relaxed somewhat, you should still research carefully to avoid the situation where you have to go through the trouble of removing your tattoos but still don’t meet the requirements for the job.
3. Things to note when removing tattoos to go to Japan
After getting the answer to whether you can go to Japan with tattoos, if you decide to remove your tattoos, you should also note the following:
First, determine whether the job you are applying for allows tattoo removal or scarring. Avoid the situation of “losing money and suffering harm” when your tattoo removal application is still not approved.
Secondly, research tattoo removal methods and choose reputable clinics to ensure complete and aesthetically pleasing results. Do not attempt to remove tattoos yourself using manual methods or unregulated products on the market.
Thirdly, tattoo removal requires recovery time. Research this timeframe carefully to avoid delays in your application process.
Fourthly, if you decide to have your tattoo removed, adhere to a proper diet and skincare regimen after the procedure to achieve the best recovery results.
Before applying for a job, you should carefully research whether having tattoos prevents you from going to Japan.
To ensure a smooth job application and visa process, you need to thoroughly understand the regulations, choose a suitable job, and ensure you meet all the requirements.
Tattoos may seem harmless, but they can sometimes become an obstacle to improving your income or career development in Japan. Therefore, you need to carefully research the information to avoid negatively impacting your work in Japan!
Hopefully, this article will answer your question: Can I go to Japan with tattoos?
