Tattoos in China and Japan carry a historical weight that often leads to societal stigma. In ancient China, tattoos were used as a form of punishment for criminals, marking them as outcasts. This practice ingrained a negative perception of tattoos, associating them with shame and criminality.
In Japan, the situation is similarly complex. Tattoos became strongly linked with the Yakuza, the Japanese organized crime syndicate. This association meant that tattoos were seen as symbols of criminal behavior and were largely frowned upon in mainstream society. Even today, many public places in Japan, such as bathhouses and gyms, continue to ban individuals with visible tattoos.
Current Impact:
While there has been a gradual shift, and some younger generations are embracing tattoos as a form of self-expression, the legacy of stigma remains. In both countries, tattoos can still carry a social disadvantage, affecting personal and professional opportunities.
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