What were tattoos like before the 18th century?

One of the main functions of tattoos in Japan were to make a permanent mark on criminals and outcasts so that they could not hide their shame. With their tattoos in a visible location, it was difficult to hide your past. It was basically an older version of the background check today. This served its function until the late 17th century when there was an exploration of decorative tattoos that started to spread through the country.

What happened during the 18th century?

As this process grew, criminals and outcasts started covering their tattoos with new ones, just like you might do today to cover up an embarrassing bit of ink. The purpose of the tattoo shifts at this point to become less about being identified with criminality than it did with being a form of self expression that allowed you to have a detailed design that showed off your flare. This form became extremely popular with the laborers and others at the lower end of the social scale, and since some criminals were using them to cover up their criminal marks, they did become associated with the criminal world again.

Are you tough enough?

As tattooing spread, it became well known to anyone with a tattoo that it is a painful process so that gangs known as Yakuza. The Yakuza saw having a tattoo as a sign of courage since you had to suffer so much through the process. Along with that, once you had a tattoo like the ones that a member of the Yakuza would choose, it would be with your forever.

How did it expand from there?

Around this time, pirates from Europe started to explore in the area of Japan and they were also drawn to the flashy designs of the Yakuza tattoos. They were quick to take on the art for themselves. After all, they wanted to prove their bravery just as much as the Yakuza did.

Tattoos have gone through many stages and phases, but it is the glorious detail and attention to line and form that draws many of us to it in the modern day. A tattoo is still a sign that you withstood the pain of the needle, but with fewer negative associations. If you are looking into adding a tattoo to your life, take some time to look at traditional Japanese tattoos.