Yakuza Tattoos in Japan

The sound of the word "Yakuza" may mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It could mean power, criminality and outlaws. The Yakuza is a term used to refer to the modern breed of Japanese outlaws associated with similar activities as the Mafia. Unknown to many, the Yakuza existed even before the Sicilian Mafia, which started in Italy. In Asia, people are often frightened with the word Yakuza.

Yakuza members can easily be spotted in a lot of ways. They have an odd way of wearing clothes and their hairstyles are distinctly peculiar as well. They also have a certain air and pride to themselves and exude negative social behavior. Policemen and other members of the society would often notice them because of their horrid acts. Another thing that identifies a Yakuza is their tattoos.

Although tattoos are considered as a body art, for most of the Yakuzas, tattoos has been a symbol of their notorious organization and a way of identifying their members. You can find the symbol of a Yakuza's clan on his chest area. The Yakuza have a certain liking with the art of body tattoos. Tattooing symbolizes boldness and brevity which are some of the things that the Yakuza stands for. Getting a tattoo is also a sign of non-conformity and in some culture tattooing has been an act of going against the mainstream culture. The tattoo is a great accessory to a Yakuza member because of what it intrinsically symbolizes.

Yakuza tattoos come in different styles and forms. They are often done in colored inks and their designs make bold statements. Yakuza tattoos are often placed in body spots that are often exposed for the entire world to see. You can often see them on their hands, arms, chest and necks. Because of the relation of Yakuza to tattoos, you cannot blame a normal Japanese to be afraid and slightly frightened of some people with large and daring tattoos. It is common for heavily tattooed people to be banned in public and some exclusive hotels. Yakuza is known to tattoo their own members. If you see a black ring around an arm of a Yakuza, this can stand for the number of crimes he committed.

The Yakuza is often related to drug sales, prostitution, gambling and other criminal activities. They fund their group by extorting money from local businessmen. They would extort merchandise stores, restaurants and other business establishments like the government would ask for tax. This is one of the things that they do that makes them a lot of money.

With the rise of modern Japan comes the rebirth of the Yakuza. Today, the Yakuza do not want to be associated with breaking the law any longer. There are Yakuza members who open heartedly help the poor people of Japan. Yakuza groups are often referred to as boryokudan which means violent group. This branding offends a number of Yakuzas. When Kobe, a place in Japan, was hit by an earthquake, it was the Yakuza who helped them and protect the less-capable people. Then on, it was known that not all Yakuza are violent people but they are people, nonetheless, who have a heart that can reach out to poor people.