Japanese negative tattooing image and Japanese society

Negative Tattoo Image in Japan 
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Introduction
In the world of tattoo art, Japanese tattoos are considered to be the most popular style. However, in Japan, the culture of tattoos continues to be a disgrace. There are many reasons for tattoos being a stigma in Japan. One of the reasons is that tattoos are considered to be linked with criminal world and connected to a Gumi or Yazuka group (Adelstein, 2010). Even though Japan is no longer a Confucian society, they have been greatly influenced by Chinese culture, majorly during the 8th to 12th century. The concept of filial piety is still evident in modern Japan, which is why many Japanese still hold the opinion that getting their bodies tattooed is considered as disrespecting their parents (Hill, 1995). This paper aims to discuss the culture of tattoo in Japan and how tattoos reflect Japanese society.
Discussion
The art of Japanese tattoos took form as a symbol of displaying societal status, and as spiritual symbols that were used as a form of charm for safety and exemplified devotion. Over a period, the representation of tattoos in Japanese culture transformed as a representation of punishment inked on prisoners of crime, war, and slaves as a medium for making their status in society visible. However, the practice of using tattoos as a form of punishment soon faded and the representation of tattoos once again changed into a status symbol amidst the elite merchant class.
During World War II, the Emperor of Japan prohibited tattoos from enhancing Japan's image in the West. Due to this change tattoos in Japan changed from a status symbol to a criminal element (Ankirskiy, 2014). However, the change in the culture of tattoo in Japan did not stop foreigners to seek for Japanese tattoo artists, which is why Japanese style tattoos continue to exist. The modern relationship between traditional Japanese tattoos and the criminal element is considered as a key influence for the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia to adopt tattoos.
In the 18th Century, Japanese representation of tattoos took yet another turn. Colorful and pictorial woodblock print tattoos became popular among the lower class, such as peasants, laborers, and even gangs. These form of tattoos are known as Irezumi was eventually outlawed in Japan. However, tattoo artists in the country were allowed to tattoo foreigners. In the 19th century, the Japanese soon regretted the decision of letting artists tattoo foreigners. Tattoo artists commenced tattooing foreign sailors, which caused Japanese cultural motifs, symbols, and styles to be displayed all over the world. This caused Japanese tattoo to gain worldwide fame, even though tattoos were illegal for native Japanese.
Although due to Western influence tattoos have gained popularity amidst the youth of Japan, it is still socially considered as a stigma. In Japan, there are current political repercussions for tattoos. In 2012, Toru Hashimoto the mayor of Osaka formed a survey to ask companies to terminate employees with tattoos. Toru Hashimoto aims to terminate employees with tattoos in his regime. Furthermore, he advocated that all city officials, from teachers to waste management emplo...