Tourist reveals he has to lie about his tattoos to get into Japanese gym

A foreigner has revealed the reason he has to lie to get into a gym in Japan, admitting he hates having to fib, but it’s the only way.

A tourist has revealed he has to lie about having tattoos to get into gyms in Japan.

The European man was interviewed on the streets of Tokyo by local Youtuber ‘Taskashii’ who asked the foreigner what it’s like having tattoos in Japan as a tourist.

While the country allows people with visible tattoos, they may be barred from certain places like onsens (hot springs), gyms, swimming pools, and some traditional ryokans (inns).

The reason they are frowned upon is because tattoos are reportedly often associated with the Yakuza — a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.

The foreigner, who has a tattoo sleeve on his right arm, told the reporter it has been tough to go to a gym without having to lie.

Japanese Youtuber ‘Taskashii’interviwed locals and tourists about what it’s like having tattoos in Japan.

“I like to go to the gym every day, to go to the gym I need to cover myself and to lie to them. I don’t like to lie,” he said.

“But they ask me if I have any tattoos and I have to say ‘no’ otherwise [they will] find out and won’t let me go to the gym.”

The unnamed man explained that particularly on hot days it can be “difficult”.

“Like now is very hot and I have to wear long sleeves and toursers in the gym.”

He said that while it can be tough, it is the “only way”, adding that he respects the culture.

He also explained that his tattoos and frame also seem to make locals uncomfortable on the train.

A European man said he has to lie about having tattoos to be let into a gym.

He told the Youtuber he doesn’t like to lie, but otherwise he can’t go.

“They don’t want to sit by my side. We’re from outside of Japan. We use perfumes, we are large and people don’t like it, I understand, but I also know because of the tattoos people don’t like it,” he said.

According to a blog post on country’s rail website, JR-Pass, tourists with visible tattoos who use public transport, such as trains, should keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals — and advised to cover-up where necessary.

But the man said he’s had copped a few stares while on public transport but despite all this he has great respect for the Japanese culture.

“If you plan on staying with a host family or Airbnb while in Japan, you may want to talk about your tattoos with them prior to your stay,” the post read.

“This will ensure that you aren’t disrespecting any etiquettes that come along with visiting a Japanese home.”

Meanwhile, the reporter also asked the foreigner if he had been to an onsen, but the man admitted he hadn’t been to the spas.

An onsen is a natural hot spring and while swimsuits are allowed, it is very rare — nudity is often a must.

“It’s not possible for me, I tried a few times but they don’t accept me,” he said.

He added that the onsens that will accept him are “a long way away” and he has been too “lazy” to travel there.

“Even in my hotel there is an onsen I can’t go there,” he said.

The Youtuber also interviewed a local Japanese tattoo artist who said he always covers up out of “consideration”.

“I might even be put off seeing someone who looks like me on the street,” he laughed.

He said, however, if he was travelling overseas, he “definitely” wouldn’t cover up.

“I do it because this is Japan,” he added.

A local tattoo artist was also interviewed. He told the Youtuber that he covers up out of ‘consideration’.

The artist explained that the reason it is taboo all comes down to history where in the past

perception of people with tattoos were associated with outlaws.

“That perception still exists today,” he said.

But despite this, the tattoo artist said he doesn’t think Japan’s stance needs to change.

“When we make the decision to get tattoos we already know that we can’t use hot springs and pools and that people will look at us weirdly,” he said.

“I think it’s really good that tattoos are becoming popular but I also think that the opposition shouldn’t go away. That’s why I think things are OK the way they are.”

He explained that tattoos are often frowned upon because in the past they have been associated with gangs.

According to JR’s blog post, laws against tattoos were enforced in 1936 after the war between Japan and China broke out, banning tattoos entirely.

“The Japanese government thought people with tattoos were problematic. It wasn’t until 1946 that tattooing became legal again.”

It dates back to around 10,500 B.C. to 300 B.C where it was common for the Japanese to use tattoos as forms of punishment, the post read.

Taskashii interviews with locals and tourists were posted to his YouTube and Instagram page with his clip on the European man racking up half a million views alone.

“I respect this man solely because he understands and respects their culture. He’s not fighting it. he is simply respecting how people on their land feel about such things,” a Japanese local commented.

“What’s interesting is that not a single Japanese person has ever been concerned or upset by my tattoo sleeve in 7 years,” a content creator wrote.

“In fact, many old Japanese people comment on how much they like the colours and design, but regardless of this, I still have to wear a full rash guard to go swimming at my local pool, if I stay at any hotel with a pool, or if I go to beach huts in the summer.

“Japanese people absolutely know the difference between a gangster tattoo and other kinds, but you still have to cover them at these locations. It’s a bit frustrating but that’s how it is with Japan and rules.”

Others said it “baffles” them that people are “accepting discrimination because it’s Japan”, while many defended the country’s culture.

“So many people took pictures of me because of mine and loved my tattoos in Japan! I’ve personally had more negative experiences with Karen’s back home and my American family,” a tourist joked.