Whether it’s in relation to the past or present, Japan is certainly not lacking in national symbols, all the way from kimonos to cosplay, and Mount Fuji to manga. Plus, at least as far as more recent representations go, the confines of a capsule hotel are also commonly conjured up.

However, while this relatively recent addition – the first one opened in Osaka almost 30 years ago – may speak volumes about modern Japan’s dedication to the company and convenience, more than a few aren’t exactly tolerant of far older traditions, as, regardless of them gradually gaining more acceptance among the general public, the tattoo will simply not be tolerated.

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Didn’t know you couldn’t enter a capsule hotel if you had a tattoo, at least for this one, but does this capsule hotel have a open bath area? If not, then you can’t really tell if a person has a tattoo on their back ^^.
I read somewhere once (think on Gaijin Smash) that tattoos are associated with criminals and the like is that why they wont allow entry ?
Would it apply to foreigners too if they had tattoos or would they not apply ?
Yeah, Red, tattoos are associated with the Yakuza, although they sport more ink than most. Far more in fact.
As for foreigners, if the capsule hotel, onsen or sports club has a no tattoo policy, then it’s the same for everybody — Japanese or not.
someone grab the owner and workers there and put a tattoo on their faces… hehehehe
P.S. ….. RED