Tokyo is often a mesmerising mishmash of contrasts, and in many respects the man below is the complete embodiment of that. Plus he totally and utterly blows away the popular notion of Japanese conformity.
Tokyo, tattoos and total individuality
Photographs from a small group of islands
MrSatyre says
“So, now that we’ve traded identities and clothes, old man, what’s the next step to your plan?”
Lee says
Haha! But pretty sure the young fella wouldn’t have been seen dead in beige slacks and a denims shirt!
MrSatyre says
That’s what makes the old man’s plan so nefarious! Be afraid! Be very afraid!
Hans ter Horst says
Must be quite a shock for most Japanese to see the tats and the funky clothes; of course the really scary one is the bloke in the back of the shot 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, he made for quite a striking sight. That said, tattoos, are a lot more common these days. There again, they are still very much frowned upon.
Judging by the looks though, not as frowned upon as gaijin with cameras!
June says
Very very cool. What a unique look. Love it! 🙂
Lee says
Yes, he’s a real character. Very much his own man.
ex-expat says
Wonder how the Yakuza feel about ‘their thing’ going mainstream? Wonder too about those onsen which have in the past specifically banned those would-be patrons, who sport tattoos?
Lee says
Personally I see the traditional yakuza tattoos (and the area of the body they do and do not cover) as very different from most modern tattoos. A clear distinction that sadly the likes of spas and some onsens fail to see. Particularly the former, as the vast majority still maintain a ban on anyone with any kind of tattoo.
Lizzy says
What an interesting looking character! He reminds me of an old sideshow barker.
Lee says
He is, isn’t he? A wonderful character. And yeah, I hadn’t thought of that, but you are absolutely right.