Truths about Japanese culture?

[Rezz]

On the other hand I've had a Korean lady swear to me on her mother grave that the Japanese were on average the shortest of all the Asian countries... biased perhaps?

[lwells]

Sounds like some competitive spirit

LW.

[SKY031]

I have a question for DaiOni.

..that irezumi in your avatar, is that yours?

I want a perspective of pain from someone who has had a tattoo done with both a gun and with bamboo needle.

I'm not a sadist, but I want to know what it feels like, and how long it takes compared to gun tattoos... also is the healing process longer?

[Sciby]

Sciby: the increased wealth and living standards post WWII have meant that the Japanese diet has increased in total calorie count and the percentage of proteins (particularly from meats). What does all that mean? Taller people, basically.

LW.

Or much wider people.

[Sciby]

SkY031, I can't comment on bamboo tattooing, but I've had standard needle gun tattooing done, if that helps?

Actually, your post reads like you've had gun tattooing done and want to go up that extra level.

[SKY031]

Actually, your post reads like you've had gun tattooing done and want to go up that extra level.

[Streeter]

not sure if its already been said but tattoos are kind of frowned upon here.

Alot of the onsens wont let you in if you have tattoos coz they think its bad character!!

I dunno maybe coz yaks always have tattoos and shit. LOL Atleast thats the way it was in Kochi.

But I notice in Osaka alot more of the girls and guys have little ones like back home, so I dunno. maybe its not so bad in bigger cities. Any input on that Rezz?

[Demon Dave]

Tattoos are generally frowned upon since they were traditionally a sign of being a member of the Yakuza (Japanese mafia / organized crime groups)...

[Sciby]

Well, just have to make sure mine is covered up.

[DaiOni]

Tattoos (irezumi - as was mentioned) are frowned upon - yes indeed. Japan is actually in its second tattoo boom, the first one being in the 90s. Generally speaking - it's not frowned on by the younger generation at all. However, I don't go around with it on display - it goes from the top of my shoulder down to the edge of my (t-shirt/polo shirt) sleeve line. Sadly, it's becoming increasingly popular with my high school students - however, they tend to do the work themselves with ink and a sewing needle - more often than not on hands and forearms (both boys and girls)

As for onsens - many of the gaijin here have had work done, and have had no issues at onsens throughout japan. For foreigners, you'll always be stared at anyway! As for myself, I have absolutely no intention of getting naked in public - so it's not an issue.

The tattoo is of an onidaiko drummer (demon drummer) - something which my island is very famous for. I always liked tattoos but never got one as I couldn't find anything I wanted to be stuck with for life. Now I have a kinen irezumi - a commemorative tattoo - something to remember my time in japan (not that I'll be leaving for a while yet).

The tattooist isn't yakuza, but they are his main source of income. And the reason he was over here was to work on the local crew.

As for pain - I've only had the outline done - the shading and colouring come next week. The single needle for the basic outline didn't hurt at all - was just a warm sensation. The triple needle (with one longer needle that apparently goes in about 4mm) made my toes twitch but I would call it uncomfortable, rather than painful (a burning sensation).

bamboo vs gun - I'm not doing it for some sort of fetish high

[Sciby]

Daioni, so you got it done with a gun?

I felt the same burning sensation when i got mine black-filled in... outline, could feel the outline needle ripping through... was cool though, got into a kind of mental state where I could feel each puncture from the needle... for those who haven't had it done... it does hurt, won't lie there, but you get used to it, and if you want a tattoo seriously, then the small amount of pain is worth it for something that is important to you.

[DaiOni]

gun.

I honestly don't think what I've had done thus far was painful - but perhaps the handful of ibuprofen might have helped

[Sciby]

lol, fair enough.

I've had one done 'raw' now, so if I took drugs or used Emla cream from now on, I won't feel like I"m cheating.