Tattoos on RWC players spark debate in Japan around strictness, affiliations of body art

Tattoos on display at rugby games aren't unusual, with many Pasifika and Maori players embracing their culture somewhere on their bodies.

In Japan, however, that's an issue.

While tattoos are a way of displaying a player’s culture in other parts of the world, body art is traditionally associated with local gangs called yakuza in Japan.

Former yakuza member turned Christian pastor Tatsuya Shindo told 1 NEWS the tattoos give gang members identity and getting tattoos for yakuza is just like a baptism for Christians.

He also says it is to show a yakuza's determination to prove that they are not going back to the society where they used to be.

Prior to this year’s Rugby World Cup, players and fans traveling to Japan were warned to cover up their tattoos.

But the host nation appreciates the gravity of the event they're holding and has loosened their rules in some areas.

Rugby World Cup organising committee CEO Akira Shimazu says tattoos are cultural ‑ we have to have respect for each other’s stance and that is a dialogue that’s taking place.

[Source:1News]

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