80% of the tattoos I see in Tokyo are done for members of what are euphemistically called "anti-social groups" - Yakuza. The rest are a few foreigners and an in

80% of the tattoos I see in Tokyo are done for members of what are euphemistically called "anti-social groups" - Yakuza. The rest are a few foreigners and an increasing, but still small number of fashion tattoos on Japanese men. Despite local bathhouses proclaiming no-tattoo rules, many tattooed people are allowed in. More than 5%, less than 10% of bathers on average. But I live quite near Kabukicho. I believe the practical concern is rival gangs, so the bathhouse owner probably has an arrangement. What I see there is interesting. Major parts of whole bodies are sometimes laid out with the complete pattern in sketch form. Like a city's subdivisions. Some younger men are already fully inked. The highest quality I have seen is surprisingly on older men. Some I find so beautiful. The best looking art-body comes always in with three helpers / bodyguards. The style and detail here is as you might see in Buddhist art at Tokyo National museum. Major themes are oft repeated: Carp, Dragon etc. But the detailed content is always unique and creative. No matter the rank.