The Legalization of Tattooing in Japan

For the first time in history, Japan’s Supreme Court has ruled the practice of tattooing without a medical license no longer illegal. This is a monumental leap in the destigmatization of tattoo culture and its association with organized crime. Since the Meiji Era (1868-1912), tattoos were forbidden throughout Japan in efforts to appear civilized and sophisticated to the rest of the world. It wasn’t until 1948 were official bans lifted but without strict laws and punishment preventing tattoo artists from practicing freely.

In an attempt to control the growing industry, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare constituted any action of “putting pigment on a needle tip and inserting ink into the skin” as a medical practice that can only be performed by someone with a practitioner’s license. Those who did not have a medical license would face heavy fines or imprisonment violating the Medical Practitioner’s Act.

This breakthrough for Japan’s tattoo culture came after an appeal against Taika Masuda, a 32 year old man charged for tattooing three people was overturned. Public prosecutors fought to charge Masuda but The Supreme Court stated that even though he did not have a medical license for a medical procedure, which is defined as “actions considered medical treatment or health guidance that could cause hygienic harm if not done by doctors,” that “tattoos require artistic skills different from medicine, and that it cannot be assumed that doctors do the act exclusively.” This effectively separated tattooing from medical practice.

While tattooing may not be considered illegal, Japan’s tattoo industry, despite its rich history, faces the challenges brought on by the country’s conservative culture. It’s expected that the government will bring forth strict guidelines and regulations to control the industry. Regardless of the obstacles to come, this is a historic moment for tattoo culture and the country of Japan as a whole.