politics

Osaka mayor's survey finds 10 education professionals with tattoos

132 Comments

The controversial local government survey in Osaka, in which all employees of the city government were pressured to provide information about visible and concealed tattoos, has found a further 10 people with tattoos working in schools in the prefecture, Fuji TV reported.

The survey, requested in May by right-wing Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, was criticized by lawmakers and teachers throughout the prefecture, where about 800 teachers and other school workers refused to respond, saying it infringed on their right to privacy.

Hashimoto launched the crusade to eradicate tattoos from the public sector, saying that the local government would block the promotion and advancement of any city employee who declined to respond to the survey asking them if they have tattoos.

A local lawyers' group asked Hashimoto to cancel the investigation, calling it a violation of human rights. However, the survey was pushed through by the mayor.

Initially, the survey found that 110 workers reported having tattoos, including sea turtles, moons and dolphins. Many of the respondents work in public transport and the city waste disposal departments.

This week, the survey turned up 10 school workers with tattoos. One is believed to be an elementary school teacher and the other nine are thought to work as janitors or in school cafeterias, Fuji TV reported. Eight of the respondents said their tattoos were not visible. Two said that they were visible, but that they covered them up during staff meetings to avoid disciplinary action.

There has been speculation in the press that Hashimoto's crusade may have been influenced in part by his father and uncle, who are rumored to have been gangsters, Fuji reported. However, the it is not known whether the two men had tattoos.

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132 Comments
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Oh, the horror.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Though I do wonder what a sea turtle is doing working for the local govt, let alone a tatooed sea turtle.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Oh no not tattoos, how on earth can we let these criminal monsters around the kiddies (sarcasm intended). Seriously the only person in this story that is a danger to society is the Mayor and his ridiculous campaign against the evil tattoo. I know many people with tattoos that teach (not in Japan), who are more intelligent than this oxygen thief of a mayor. He really needs to stop forcing his family sham caused phobia on the rest of the society.

13 ( +18 / -5 )

tattoos are NOT appropriate for educators of young children. hope these teachers get fired and banned from ever teaching again.

-56 ( +9 / -62 )

The fact that he is still mayor is beyond belief. And speaks volumes about the people of Japan.

Disgraceful on all fronts.

S

14 ( +19 / -5 )

tattoos are NOT appropriate for educators of young children. hope these teachers get fired and banned from ever teaching again.

Yeah because hidden tattoo's really affect the quality of education provided now dont they. Oh thats right you probably believe all tattooed people are criminal dropouts. Sorry to rain on your parade but tattoos arnt a reflection on intelligence or ability. At least in civilised nations that is

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Did everyone fall for it? It's obviouse the pot calling the kettle black.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Tattoos? They must be yakuza so fire them at once! While you're at it, also make sure they won't be allowed to enter USJ. TDL, any swimming pool and onsen!! The horror!

7 ( +11 / -4 )

tattoos are NOT appropriate for educators of young children. hope these teachers get fired and banned from ever teaching again.

I don't have any and never will. But how are they inappropriate for young children? So that means that if I came from Samoa, where tattoos are part of the culture to mark your family, and was highly qualified, I couldn't teach here in Japan according to your standards, never mind that I may be educationally well qualified to teach?

As long as the teachers don't encourage students to get a tatoo, who cares who has one.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I'm gonna get a tattoo of Hashimoto's face on my backside then apply for a teaching job with the city.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

So if someone has a tattoo of a moon, a kitten or Japanese flag in their naughty bits area, an area that should NOT be shown in public unless one wishes a fine and is therefore considered PRIVATE, WTF does is this yahoo mayor nutbar going on about? None of his business and maybe he should be ousted for wasting tax payers money, no?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Osaka and Japan as a whole is getting smashed left, right and centre and here we are wasting time with tattoos. Seriously, with the downloading bills, the tax hike and this stupidity over ink - this population must be getting seriously demoralised.

It is breaking my heart to see what a joke public policy is in this country.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

This witch-hunt (tattoo-hunt) is so far beyond absurd it just plain ludicrous! Are these people so stuck up and/or stupid to believe that having tattoos effects the quality of education or public services? Tattoos are not illegal and until they are this twit mayor and his cronies are definitely going against the Japanese constitution and all these people being persecuted by him and his minions should be taking them to court to protect their constitutional civil rights.

Ah, Japan! The nail that stands up must be hammered down!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

First mark of a fascist: Scapegoating.

Has there been an outcry against tattooed teachers before Hashimoto began this witch hunt? Did anyone else even mention it?

Is there any study or evidence that tattoos inhibit or diminish a teacher's ability to do the job?

Is there any study or evidence that tattoo unduly distract students or block their ability to learn?

Can this guy draw a simple flow chart of how the city government works?

Hopefully, Toru will reveal himself as a clown before he can do any real damage.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Discrimination to the extreme.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sure many would agree that this has little to do with tattoos. Wouldn't be surprised if Hashimoto himself had tattoos in his earlier years on TV with his hair bleached and wearing sunglasses. He is simply using this, knowing how the majority would prefer to have tattoo-less teachers, as a symbolic PR move to gradually push what seems to be one of his most important policital agendas, which is to "straighten up" the education system in Japan (Osaka for the time being) to his taste.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Those janitors will never get a promotion to CEO with those tattoos will they. Anyway, doesn't Hashimoto have a Yakuza upbringing somewhere?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

if I came from Samoa, where tattoos are part of the culture to mark your family, and was highly qualified, I couldn't teach here in Japan according to your standards, never mind that I may be educationally well qualified to teach?

You'd get the "this is Japan" lecture. "This is Japan"(TM). The cop-out phrase for anything someone who is Japanese uses to avoid anything new and/or anything that isn't dull, boring, and cookie-cut to their liking.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

A local lawyers group asked Hashimoto to cancel the investigation, calling it a violation of human rights. However, the survey was pushed through by the mayor.

So have the lawyers have started legal proceedings against Hashimoto?

If not, why not?

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Hope he looses his job, you can't do this to people, it's almost as bad as forcing a certain race to wear yellow stars.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

So there are ten people with a little more open-mindedness than others may have (clearly more than Hashimoto!), perhaps more worldly experience, and as such, at least in the former case, they are more suited for a job that requires understanding and at times empathy. Education most certainly requires taking into account differing opinions.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I guess human rights are only for other countries then, not an uncivilised, backwater like this. What's he gonna find when he checks the gaijin working slave labour in his schools?? Who cares about a tattoo? Seriously? Only a person who is a) hiding something themselves (as others suggested) b) has a hitler complex. Does he realise that by doing this he will not only lose in the long run but will also help to destroy any chance of one of Japan's most beautiful traditions?? Tattooing here is, although previously associated with gangs, a piece of the cultural history. Ps. I'm heavily tattooed, I teach kids and adults alike and never had a negative comment. It's my body, my culture and I don't care what you think, I hate sushi breath!! That must be banned too.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

First mark of a fascist: Scapegoating.

Has there been an outcry against tattooed teachers before Hashimoto began this witch hunt? Did anyone else even mention it?

Is there any study or evidence that tattoos inhibit or diminish a teacher's ability to do the job?

Is there any study or evidence that tattoo unduly distract students or block their ability to learn?

There was that one guy who was trying to scare children with his tattoos by lifting up his shirt...

From Japan Times:

The tattoo survey was carried out at the request of Hashimoto, who was infuriated by revelations in March that a worker at a children's home threatened kids by showing his tattoos.

"Citizens feel uneasy or intimidated if they see tattoos (on workers) in services, and it undermines trust in the city," Hashimoto said earlier. "We need to grasp what the (tattoo) situation is and reposition personnel."

The poll asked if employees have tattoos on their neck and above, on their arms or hands, and from their knees to the toes. Those with tattoos had to indicate their location and size. Workers were also asked to respond voluntarily if they have tattoos on parts of the body normally covered by clothing and when they got them — before or after they started working for the city.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Quote fail :(

"Scapegoating" was not my words. However, it will be interesting to see where this will go next.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And why can't we link this to Facebook? To show the world that human rights are being killed in Japan? Have to check the Japan times for a link do I can show the world (well, my 3 friends) this travesty.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

lachatamber, firing is too good for them. I think they should be hung, drawn and quartered. All while being made to sing kimigayo.

Same for beard-wearers too. Freaks, the lot of them.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I continue to stress this is merely a calculated move. Hashimoto should smile softly if he ever has a chance to read any of the comments here and would never consider making a strong personal argument, because it should very much be aside from the point in his view. Unlike the posters here, the majority of the public would think this is an acceptable (if not good) move because it is in line with what they actually prefer and people should generally tend to believe there should be such kinds of "light spankings" or "airs of tension" brought onto the teachers every once in a while given the frequent reporting of sexual misconduct and other crimes committed by them these days. Indeed its only to do with tattoos and hence why it will see little objection. That is why he is doing this. If more were like the people here who would strongly object to anti-tattoo campaigns then he would never do it and seek other areas to address under stronger public support. Nonetheless, possibly the first of gradually more alarming steps towards what some are beginning to refer to as Hashism.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And why can't we link this to Facebook? To show the world that human rights are being killed in Japan? Have to check the Japan times for a link do I can show the world (well, my 3 friends) this travesty.

Huh?

You can click "Recommend" above at the top of the page, and from there it will post to your Facebook if you're logged in.

For the Japan Times article i quoted in my post, here's the link http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120523a3.html It's from May 23....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am a banker by trade. I teach English in Japan. My evaluations from the schools and the students respectively are consistently high.

I have tattoos.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

How about this idea - instead of persecuting people with evil dolphin and moon tattoos - clamping down on those with family links to the Yakuza. Looking at you, Hashimoto grub.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

This will be a strong test for Japan's human rights. Are there any Japanese lawyers out there who will do their duty and contest this?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Has there been an outcry against tattooed teachers before Hashimoto began this witch hunt? Did anyone else even mention it?

YES ! He was elected to clean the yakuza out this city. In the 80's, the yakuza were controlling most local services. For instance, the first time I visited, I went to some matsuri and most stands had some tattooed guy "helping". Well, they'd grab most of the money and the local associations that organized the event couldn't dare refusing. They'd ransom all street stands. Schools and garbage trucks ? They would have their guys hired there, at higher than average salaries on public money. You wanted the job, you had to be well with the yakuza, not necessarily a "member", but they would choose the candidates (like in France, in some sectors, the union has got such a power that they hire all the new staff and they take only guys of their union). Also they'd be in city halls everywhere to take their share from all budgets. They'd be in the shotengai shop-owner association, and they'd made them pay a fee (otherwise, they'd send chimpira to ransack the stores). End of 80's, early 90's, there was a de-yakuza-zation campaign all over Japan. So things have changed and the yakuza stick to Red Light districts and building industry, they no longer do the matsuri, shotengais, schools... But Kansai was not done, because of Kobe quake. It's overdue.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I am a banker by trade. I teach English in Japan. My evaluations from the schools and the students respectively are consistently high. I have tattoos.

Banker should be okay but for the English teacher job just don't tell anyone, you will be fired for some random reason because your students or parents of students will complain, you'll be shunned and generally looked down upon as that guy with tattoo's it is ultimately ridiculously stupid.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This can be challenged in court regarding employment discrimination in a class-action lawsuit.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I don't see why people don't just lie about having the tattoos. The only way the mayor would know is if they went to the onsen with him.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I went to some matsuri and most stands had some tattooed guy "helping". Well, they'd grab most of the money and the local associations that organized the event couldn't dare refusing. They'd ransom all street stands.

shobadai !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can't decide which is more trivial, getting a tattoo or wanting to know who has one.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

For instance, the first time I visited, I went to some matsuri and most stands had some tattooed guy "helping". Well, they'd grab most of the money and the local associations that organized the event couldn't dare refusing. They'd ransom all street stands.

Oh yes l can just see the Yakuza tough guys having tattoo's of dolphins and the moon on their bodies. Seriously if you cant tell the difference between a yakuza with their tatts and a every day person with a dolphin then there is a big problem

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I thought it was common knowledge, but tattoos are a mark of Yakuza gang membership here in Japan, and have been so traditionally for 100s of yrs. That is changing these days, but only a little bit. Most pp;l wouldn't dream of getting a tat just for the reason of the association of a gang. Not like tats are bad or evidence of being a social outcast even, more like they signify membership in an actual group that if you're not a member of you wouldn't want to pretend you were a member of. Like, they're just not something you do for fun/ fashion/ to be cool. (Yes, now this is changing, but slowly, and not in mainstream culture).

I don't know the specifics of the legal/ moral reasoning, but instead of prohibiting entry (to shops, baths, jobs) of gang members, who probably do not carry membership cards with them, they use the next best thing, the visible tag of "tattoos" to prohibit against.

Gangs are a real problem, and they are something you want to keep out of schools and other places. Not saying prohibiting tats is the best way, for me, but it's not like, total discrimination or backwards thinking like some posters are saying. It's a little more complicated than that.

That said, Hashimoto is a total numb nut. Vote him out!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

It was rumored that Henry Kissinger has a tattoo on his rump, or something like that. If so, he can't teach in Osaka. Also, didn't President Bush the 1st have a tattoo somewhere? If so, he, too, can't teach in Osaka.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think beards are way worse than tatoos. they tickle when you kiss. also i think earrings in men should be banned. also those fdodgy chapatsu hairdo's, especially if spiked up with lots of gel.

basically government workers should look just like hashimot (or femaile versions of him). actually, i think women shouldn't be working but should be at home raising kids and making food and running baths and all.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Oh no, a tattoo! Save the children! If they see it they will surely be corrupted! Wait....both me and my husband have tattoos, and we're going to have a baby, does that mean we will definitely be unfit parents?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Shame he doesn't spend more of his time on say, real issue in Osaka like... crazy driving cars into people, people stabbing people, the homeless problem, the lack of daycares...

This guy is a nut. a right wing nut.What the hell are the people in Osaka thinking by allowing this guy to bully a large percentage of the population that deal or has dealt with them on a regular basis. want to ban those with tattoos? Start looking for new teachers, new garbage men... All is well until he turns on you my friends. And seeing as how he's gone from those not standing to sing to those who belong to unions, to those with tattoos... perhaps those with dyed hair and sunglasses could be next? I mean, sunglasses, perms and coloured hair are yak traits.... Oh wait, HE wore sunglasses so perhaps they're safe... Or maybe not....

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Wannabe yak?? http://img01.ti-da.net/usr/g2mail/%E6%A9%8B%E4%B8%8B%E5%BE%B9.JPG

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Foreigners can bleat about this all day but few Japanese would argue that these measures are a question of human rights. Hashimoto is playing up to his 7-kids hardman/family man image and the majority of the Osaka electorate lap it up.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Too many idiots with power in this country. Well, all over the world too.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Maybe it would be better to run an IQ test an all people who aspire to run as mayor.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

How about banning people with bad teeth, beer-guts and combovers? I am offended by them and they project an unprofessional image.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Maybe it would be better to run an IQ test an all people who aspire to run as mayor.

Sorry they cant do that because there would be to many mayors out of a job. And they couldnt possibly hope to get work anywhere else.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think the major should ask "who uses deodorant?" because everytime I goto the city hall in summer time all the men need it!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I think the teachers should all get together and get a tattoo on the rear of a thumbs down, and go for a group photo and mail it to him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Who cares?!? Tattoos never hurt anyone but the person who wears them.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Funny, teachers might loose their jobs just because they have a damn tattoo. But in my school, the Principal smokes cigarettes while talking to the students during lunch time, I am talking about a JHS! So, tattoos are bad, cigarettes are what?!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

JapanGalJun. 27, 2012 - 06:02PM JST

I think the teachers should all get together and get a tattoo on the rear of a thumbs down, and go for a group photo and mail it to him.

Maybe just henna (ヘンナ) tattoos, easier to convince people of that. Though some will end up with real tattoos of strange things(変な).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hey Hashimoto, how about worrying about reactor 4's ability to withstand a big quake and not turn the whole country into vapor instead of worrying about people using their FREE RIGHT to get a tattoo!!!? I think Im done with this country... Craziness.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

jGal

maybe you could start like a meme, and make a site where everyone can send in a photo of their bum with a thumbs dn tattoo "yada ne" / henna tattoo, and address the site to hashimoto. it could go viral.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I think the teachers should all get together and get a tattoo on the rear of a thumbs down, and go for a group photo and mail it to him.

I'm considering starting up a webpage of all the foreign teachers who have worked in the Osaka pubic system as ALTs with tats. Must be hundreds. PIctures of tats and the middle finger to good old mini Hitler.

And yes, teachers smoke in front of students and nothing done. Heck, I know of a teacher in the Osaka BOE who has HIT students and still has a job - at the education center. Removed from the class but not from the system. I also worked with a nutcase in Osaka that had ONE case a week as he was a mental head case. Full salary. But heck good old Hashi wants to fire those with tats. Covered up tats that have no bearing on the job... Those who can't do the job or abuse students? Welcome to stay. This guy is pathetic.

And sadly, the locals who dislike him bleat shoganai while the others cheers him on. Never mind his flip flop on Oi, his bullying, his comments about his kids (can only stand them 30 minutes at a time...) Pathetic.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

wow big deal!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The more I see of these crazy Japanese cultural inanities, the more I also see in my own culture. They are nuts. But so are we! Most of you have just gotten used to your own country's crazy. Well guess what? So have the Japanese!

Hashimoto is nuttier than the rest, but lots of people get to be the leader for that very reason it seems. In my world, this jerk walks around with a four letter word tattooed on his forehead, and it starts with a "d".

0 ( +2 / -2 )

People in schools with tattoos? The horror the outrage! I now fear for my daughter who will be starting school /sarcasm

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Stop the presses! They must be criminals and monsters! Better check to make sure they're not foreigners too!

Sometimes Japan, you just make me smh.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

PUBLIC damn it, public!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Hashimoto, get a life, teachers should be judged on their ability to inform, not on their personal adornment

0 ( +1 / -1 )

A populist Mayor re-enforcing a negative stero type, turn the clocks back...wait there's no Day light savings!

Surly injuries/deaths received during Judo classes causes more harm to kids...guess that's caused by tattoo'd teachers?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I hate tattoos and I love Hashimoto, so easy, if you do not like Hashimoto and feel so strongly about Japan, get on the next plane to XYZ country and enjoy tattoos all over your head, face, neck, arms, eyelids like those nasty Salvadoran gangs from Central America, but here in JAPAN we all know Japanese and Tattoos CAN BE linked to the YAKUZA, not like back in your Western country where you get drunk, high, and say geez I think I feel like another tattoo with the name of my newest girlfriend, etc..by the way in my native MEXICO kind of like Osaka, decent folk would rather die than put crap tattoos all over their bodies.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Some of the posts here are just out of touch, if you are not JAPANESE and say a teacher etc..the Japanese could care less what tattoos you have on your ass, etc..if you are white, you will never be a Japanese, let alone a Japanese YAKUZA, so as long as your tattoos are not all over your face, neck, etc..you can still be an ALT in Osaka and maybe anywhere on the J islands, but try that as a JAPANESE and you will never even get in the door a public school, plain and simple.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

but here in JAPAN we all know Japanese and Tattoos CAN BE linked to the YAKUZA, not like back in your Western country where you get drunk, high, and say geez I think I feel like another tattoo with the name of my newest girlfriend, etc..

Just goes to show how ignorant some people are about tattoos. Not everyone gets tattoos because they are drunk or of their 'latest girlfriend' My tattoos are of my birth sign, a scorpion because I'm a scorpio, my daughters name and a few more.

Just because you hate tattoos doesn't mean that they are crap and that people who have them shouldn't be in Japan. You have your opinions on tattoos and thats your choice that you don't want them. Just like if people want a tattoo its their choice too.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I hate tattoos and I love Hashimoto, so easy, if you do not like Hashimoto and feel so strongly about Japan, get on the next plane to XYZ country and enjoy tattoos all over your head, face, neck, arms, eyelids like those nasty Salvadoran gangs from Central America, but here in JAPAN we all know Japanese and Tattoos CAN BE linked to the YAKUZA, not like back in your Western country where you get drunk, high, and say geez I think I feel like another tattoo with the name of my newest girlfriend, etc..by the way in my native MEXICO kind of like Osaka, decent folk would rather die than put crap tattoos all over their bodies.

I have never, ever, read such alarmist and non-sensical garbage from a poster. This is about your human rights buddy. if you are permitted to sack employees just because they have personal tattoos on their (hidden) body parts, then next it will be because you are foreign or female or Mexican.

Having lived in Japan for over 10 years I met plenty of people with small fashionable tattoos. Go to Onjuku during the summer and you will be surprised at just how many young people have fashionable tattoos. The only tattoos linked to the yakuza are irezumi tattoos that cover most of the body but are covered under shirtsleeves. Hashimoto just has this guilty conscience about his yakuza family (proof that you CAN be realted to the yakuza without having a tattoo, which makes his witch hunt meaningless).

Back in your native Mexico, as you have stated, you may well have the same alarmist attitude to something small like tattoos. Yet in the meantime 55,000 people have been murdered by an out-of-control drugs war on the streets. In that case I'd much rather live in a relatively safe society WITH the tattoos thank you.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Japan, you are frigging crazy. How do I know? I looked to the right and saw an article of a Japanese man who chopped off hits naughty bits and cooked them. To make it worse, Japanese people lined up for chance to pay to eat them.

Now, one of the highest people in government believes a hidden tattoo is going to contaminate one of their precious kids.

I worked at an elementary school for 2 weeks when I first got to Japan, and saw a student kick one of the teachers in the stomach, and walk away Scot-free. The same day, a pair of Japanese Monster Parents informed me that they wanted me to forget about the other students and spend more time with their little precious rugrat. After not liking my answer of essentially "Frig off, I won't ignore the other kids" they complained to the school.

Now, I own my own school while some 19 year old WHV-holder deals with that mess.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

by the way in my native MEXICO kind of like Osaka, decent folk would rather die than put crap tattoos all over their bodies.

Mexico has decent people now?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

I have never, ever, read such alarmist and non-sensical garbage from a poster.

You must be new to Japan Today.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

.you can still be an ALT in Osaka and maybe anywhere on the J islands, but try that as a JAPANESE and you will never even get in the door a public school, plain and simple.

So rules for "them" and not for "us"? So you support institutional racism then?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

DentShop, You must be new to Japan Today, now thats a gem!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I agree with the majority, this tattoo witch hunt is nonsense. It is a throwback to a very old law and tradition. These politicians want to show the public they "care".

2 ( +2 / -0 )

How does he know that what he saw was a highly appropriate Von Dutch t-shirt designed by the genious Christian Audigier from his series "La boite de douche." I see those all over the world..

1 ( +1 / -0 )

DentShop, You must be new to Japan Today, now thats a gem!

Maybe it's purer just to stand up for yourself and state that you agree with Hashimoto and that posters condoning of it. I am fully aware of what is posted onto Japan Today, but that one is up amongst the worst ever. Instead of smug comments on other peoples posts use this space to enter the debate.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Hashimoto is completely off his nut. I don't know if there is such a process as impeachment of a political figure in Japan, but the people of Osaka should have plenty of reason to remove this ass since he's made it so plainly obvious that he doesn't mind using public funds to work through his daddy issues.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm a teacher -AND- I teach young children. Oh, and I have tattoos.

The kids don't know. No one at the school knows. Guess where it is? It's on my wrist! I wear t-shirts in these humid summer months, too. I just wear a watch and no one's the wiser. Personally, what I do with my body is my business. I suppose if I had knuckle or neck tats, that's quite a bit more aggressive, but I have yet to see someone in Japan with those kinds of ink...

For the record, parents and other teachers say I'm great with the kids. Am I gonna burn at the stake? Guess I'll stay away from those Osaka gov't gigs.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

A society that is ripe with porn is worried about tattoos...makes sense.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Ah Japan, always the forefront of human rights issues and cracking down on things that actually matter.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

inverse, Hashimoto has a chip on his shoulder about his yakuza bloodline. He is trying to prove something to the electorate before having a shot at prime minister. It would have been much more meaningful if he had actually taken on the real yakuza in Kobe (good luck with anyone foolish enough to attempt that by the way).

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Another example of someone in a position of Power in Japan that is very out of touch with basic sensibilities.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Absolutely outrageous.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This man is a total idiot. His frustration with reforming Osaka politics in vain, his inability to achieve his aims has made him target the people who work for him, his staff, the people HE should work for, and threaten them, which is overstepping the lines in a big way. What he is doing is not only unethical but also illegal. This character is a comedian, but one with very bad taste. He should return to television and entertain those who are in the same league, laugh at, poke fun at, ridicule those who can't defend themselves. I shudder imagining having someone like him in national politics, but even in Japan probably common sense will prevail and prevent this from ever happening.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Japan...common sence!!! Where???? (politics) do you read the news?, it starts at school, Pre school level any display of common sence is punished. The biggest bully wins, while the plebs suffer in silence. People with tattoos now, orphans next, disabled next, and the lurking monster of liberalism/ communism or god forbid a evil Democrat. Thin end of the wedge. Wedgies never end well.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Please someone get Hashimoto drunk out of his mind and get him tattooed (if he isn't already).

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I've got a feeling Hashimoto is going to end up like that Nagasaki Mayor from a few years back. What an absolute tragedy that would be...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Tattoos? So what? Who cares?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I don't have any tats, but to each his own, I like them, I think they can be cool depending on the tat and where, but to each his own. But it seems like yet, another erosion of freedom being taken away from the people in order to cement their hold on conformity. I'm sorry, but if anyone thinks that a man or a woman covered in tats is uneducated because they decided to paint their own body, repeat OWN BODY, then I don't even want to sit in the same room with incompetent people like that. How about Japan banning idiot politicians from making insanely stupid laws that add more unnecessary paper clutter and ad to an already non-functioning bureaucratic system. You can't download music, movies soon, can't teach kids if you have a tat, because you are lower than low, what's next?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You can't download music, movies soon

A bit over simplifying it, and a bit of over exaggeration, I have to say.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

While I do not have any that is my choice. People who get them is their choice. Unless it is really excessive like full face and the person deals with the public it is none of the governments business. Suppose the best thing to do if you have a hidden one is to lie. Return the survey and report none. Unless they will undergo a full body exam and I would refuse to submit. Does not matter I have none it is the principle.

Oops, a couple of my brain cells have made a connection. If he is mad about this, what else is he dead stupid wrong?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

the people of Osaka should have plenty of reason to remove this ass

We know what he does. We can see him in town. He has been doing it for a few years now. FIY, he has been re-elected. I don't like everything he does or say, but about the yakuza and all the public facility parasites : bravo !

I'm considering starting up a webpage of all the foreign teachers who have worked in the Osaka pubic system as ALTs with tats. Must be hundreds.

They are not concerned either. Those that had apparent tattoos and a criminal record have not been recruited in the first place. I love life too much to start a page with the guys with yakuza tats working or intervening in public facilities, but there is matter. So far, the mainstream media didn't even dare reporting when they got arrested and jailed. But a number of them were. And their crime was not having a bad taste appearance. It's not fashion police. They stole money, they blackmailed people. They pushed some to death, very likely. And they shot some dead, without any doubt.

if he had actually taken on the real yakuza in Kobe

Kobe is not in Osaka Prefecture, he can't be in both places at the same time. The yakuza we have here in Osaka are surreal ? The other day, the Indian restaurant guy that was beaten to death in the streets in Nishinari, he is not really dead ? I don't like the tattoo and religion questionnaire op' either. I'd call a cat a cat. I'd have written "Have you ever been linked to the criminal gangs (like the yakuza), religious organization involved in terrorisms (like Aum Shinrikyo, Al Qaida) ? If yes, take an appointment with HR department and let's talk." in clear in the questionnaire. The gangs can't blow the city hall anyway. Any person ever condemned for association with the yakuza should be ineligible for public employment, by default. Exceptions should be granted case by case, if it can be established that they actually left the gangs. Like when you go to the US, on the questionnaire it's written "Are you linked to the Nazi, communists, terrorists..." (with variations in the formula) and if they find you lied, no visa. Or it gets canceled and you get deported if they find out later.

This can be challenged in court regarding employment discrimination in a class-action lawsuit.

Class action is a US thing. And employment discrimination even by private companies can't be sued either. There is no law about it. Now on a the agenda for employment discrimination, the air-heads that got tattoos they can't hide are very very low on the list. The gaijin bar Booster wants to hire only girls in orange shorts, Osaka-city wants no tats. If you're a middle aged dude with tats, the 2 jobs are not for you. Why is it more a problem in the second case ? There are other jobs for you. I dunno, try to be a yakuza truck driver. I have no tats, I have the sexy legs and boobs to wear the orange shorts, but I'm still barred from the jobs due to visa discrimination. You don't cry on my fate. I don't ask you to complain me, that's just to say. In this thread, there are over 80 persons standing for persons that are either true (more or less passive) accomplices of gangsters or (for 1 or 2 cases) hispters with a lack of common sense. Before them, there are the issues of discrimination of burakumins, of non-nationals, of disabled, of persons ethnically different, of women, of persons over a certain age... The tattooed people made a choice and they can make the choice to get it erased if they want to work.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

the people of Osaka should have plenty of reason to remove this ass

We know what he does. We can see him in town. He has been doing it for a few years now. FIY, he has been re-elected. I don't like everything he does or say, but about the yakuza and all the public facility parasites : bravo !

I'm considering starting up a webpage of all the foreign teachers who have worked in the Osaka pubic system as ALTs with tats. Must be hundreds.

They are not concerned either. Those that had apparent tattoos and a criminal record have not been recruited in the first place. I love life too much to start a page with the guys with yakuza tats working or intervening in public facilities, but there is matter. So far, the mainstream media didn't even dare reporting when they got arrested and jailed. But a number of them were. And their crime was not having a bad taste appearance. It's not fashion police. They stole money, they blackmailed people. They pushed some to death, very likely. And they shot some dead, without any doubt.

if he had actually taken on the real yakuza in Kobe

Kobe is not in Osaka Prefecture, he can't be in both places at the same time. The yakuza we have here in Osaka are surreal ? The other day, the Indian restaurant guy that was beaten to death in the streets in Nishinari, he is not really dead ? I don't like the tattoo and religion questionnaire op' either. I'd call a cat a cat. I'd have written "Have you ever been linked to the criminal gangs (like the yakuza), religious organization involved in terrorisms (like Aum Shinrikyo, Al Qaida) ? If yes, take an appointment with HR department and let's talk." in clear in the questionnaire. The gangs can't blow the city hall anyway. Any person ever condemned for association with the yakuza should be ineligible for public employment, by default. Exceptions should be granted case by case, if it can be established that they actually left the gangs. Like when you go to the US, on the questionnaire it's written "Are you linked to the Nazi, communists, terrorists..." (with variations in the formula) and if they find you lied, no visa. Or it gets canceled and you get deported if they find out later.

This can be challenged in court regarding employment discrimination in a class-action lawsuit.

Class action is a US thing. And employment discrimination even by private companies can't be sued either. There is no law about it. Now on a the agenda for employment discrimination, the air-heads that got tattoos they can't hide are very very low on the list. The gaijin bar Booster wants to hire only girls in orange shorts, Osaka-city wants no tats. If you're a middle aged dude with tats, the 2 jobs are not for you. Why is it more a problem in the second case ? There are other jobs for you. I dunno, try to be a yakuza truck driver. I have no tats, I have the sexy legs and boobs to wear the orange shorts, but I'm still barred from the jobs due to visa discrimination. You don't cry on my fate. I don't ask you to complain me, that's just to say. In this thread, there are over 80 persons standing for persons that are either true (more or less passive) accomplices of gangsters or (for 1 or 2 cases) hispters with a lack of common sense. Before them, there are the issues of discrimination of burakumins, of non-nationals, of disabled, of persons ethnically different, of women, of persons over a certain age... The tattooed people made a choice and they can make the choice to get it erased if they want to work.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

All Osaka teachers should wear henna tats until Hashimoto is voted out of office.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So, tattoos are bad, cigarettes are what?!

They are quite wonderful, if you ask me. But as a smoker, i'm somewhat biased :)

It's not like these kids never saw anyone else smoking. And at their age, probably tried it themselves. So no harm from seeing someone else smoke... it's not like he was shooting up heroin with a used needle.

As for the mayor's scheme, i think it's a calculated move, without a doubt. He's crazy, like a fox, and the Japanese will mostly just take it, and some secretly cheer him on. He's the kind of guy that enjoys power and won't hesitate to go after someone as a display of "strength". He enjoys harassing those whom he considers useless... all for laughs and fun. Might not be the most pleasant person to deal with, but we are talking about a lawyer here, and someone with long-held grudges and emotional wounds. He's past the point where he could care if he is hurting someone. Like an animal that's tasted blood.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So ... what?

Yeah, this mayor seems to be a major idiot. What a shame. Osaka is the most open and most undogmatic Japanese city I know and seeing it being represented by someone like this pisses me off a bit.

By the way, I really need a tattoo. I'd like to have some Shoujo Tsubaki image on my back or something like this, lol.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

A waste of time....and money!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

What a waste of money. Does Mayor Hashimoto think this is the priorty in their goverment? If the employee is law abiding, responsible in coming to work on time, does a good job and doesn't cause trouble, what does it matter if he or she has tatoo? Maybe the goverment should check on Hashimoto to see if he has tatoo of sea turtle on his rear.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I met plenty of people with small fashionable tattoos

TigersTokyoDome - While I disagree with hashimoto's stance, that statement is an oxymoron. White trash tattoos are still white trash tattoos whether big or small.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

. I shudder imagining having someone like him in national politics, but even in Japan probably common sense will prevail and prevent this from ever happening.

You have much more faith than I do. You need to remember he was the governor and then the mayor. You also need to remember that Tokyo continues to vote in Ishihara....

Cos, not sure why you went on about criminal records and whatnot with regards to my post about foreigners with tats. Criminal record from my understand means very little chance of getting a visa. Or are you discussing the Japanese staff with tats and criminal records?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hitler complex, rounding up the people and tagging them as second rate citizens for no reason but the color of their skin.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think we should go around forcing politicians to fill out surveys asking them whether or not they have bigoted views.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

tmarie,

Try adding a connected > to the part(s) you want to quote instead of * which make text bold or a single which make tect italic.

Just a tip.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Is this legal? If not, why is he allowed to do this?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I just use the "bold" function above the box. I'm at about a 50% pass (failure?) rate with it. Drives me nuts! Thanks for the tip!

Ben, he doesn't care if it is legal. He's sent around a few of these questionnaires that ARE illegal but yet... he's been allowed to do it. Why? No punishment. Like many other "laws" in Japan. Illegal but no follow through. Personally I'm hoping the teacher's union gets together and sues him for discrimination and harassment. As a lawyer he should know better but he doesn't care.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

tmarie,

Admittedly, I have not checked myself. Is it in fact illegal? Are there punishments on the books for it. I should check myself, but I have not made the time.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

P.S. Try the preview function first to see if your post looks the way you want it to. If it looks good there, you should be good to go. Of the four functions, I also have the most trouble with the bold function and thus usually just avoid using it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I just use the "bold" function above the box. I'm at about a 50% pass (failure?) rate with it. Drives me nuts! Thanks for the tip!

No problem. Just check that there is no space between the * or ** and your text on both ends of your sentence. With the > just make sure there's no space between the > and your text at the beginning of your sentence.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thanks for the tips.

From my understanding, such surveys infringes on "human rights" that the Japanese get - we know that we don't get them. Lawyers have been contacted with all of this. As for punishments, no idea. I doubt it. Kind of like not paying your NHK fees. There is a law but no penalty for not doing so.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Finding a new corrupted law in this country is like finding a new crater on the moon.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Hashimoto is now showing his true color. He is doing a witch hunt just like Hitler did for Jews. The history should not be forgotten. Here is a famous quote written by Martin Niemoller

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Cos,

All of the things you point out about corruption and abuses occuring amoung public servants in the Osaka government may indeed be valid.

But the pressing question is this: Why not go after the individuals who scam, steal, intimidate, and murder, case by case, by presenting, oh -- and I'm just spitballing here -- evidence. With proper evidence and subsequent charges filed by the public prosecutors office, he should have no problem rooting out the bad seeds.

But to issue a blanket declaration that anyone and everyone with tattoos is guilty by association? It's asinine and infuriating to say the least.

He has no legal or moral right to make these claims against hardworking public servants who jumped through all the hoops and did all the dances required by people without tattoos to get these highly coveted public servant positions.

He has no legal or moral right whatsoever to prevent these very same people from advancing in their careers because he has an emotional hard-on against tattoos due to unresolved daddy issues. There's no rational or legal basis for denying these people their constitutionally protected right to work in an environment free of discrimination.

If he does indeed try to prevent people from advancing in their careers for refusing to answer a constitutionally illegal survey, then he is breaking the law and needs to be removed from office.

In cuffs, if necessary.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Wear a tie (maybe not nowadays), wear a jacket (maybe not nowadays), avoid bleaching hair to flamboyant colors, avoid excessive jewelery, avoid vulgar appearance in general ... all these are what are generally perceived in Japan as basic manners, common sense when it comes to unofficially required dress codes for public servants in my view. Question of good or bad aside. Tattoos may be a borderline item which may fall on either side (maybe not in other countries) but I would presume the majority in Japan would accept that to be included on the "avoidance" side of the common sense for public servants spectrum, just as the majority may still not be comfortable with a "more casual" fashion (involving tank tops, short pants etc) considering it to be acceptable only in specific other industries. Here in this forum, maybe not, considering the surprisingly strong reaction seen. Little to do with yakuza in my view. Punk hairstyles would be a closer comparison. This measure did not come out from the blue, but only implemented because there was a specific incident which triggered it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

A lot of people fail to notice, that in this culture, tattoos are seen in a negative light. many of the older generations see them as part of the Yakuza. that's just a fact, it has nothing to do with ignorance or whatever. we might see it as nothing, since many people have them in the US or and other countries, but they don't. everyone that's bashing them for being ignorant, or stupid, really know nothing about this culture at all. I have a tattoo and i know that when i go to Japan, i'll have to respect their ways and cover it up.

instead of living in a rock, like most of your comments make you seem, learn about the culture and the way of life and understand that everyone's different. only because you think it's right, it doesn't mean it is. please, some of you, learn to appreciate others... it really pisses me off reading some of the comments on here, it shows who truly is unintelligent and who isn't.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

A lot of people fail to notice, that in this culture, tattoos are seen in a negative light. many of the older generations see them as part of the Yakuza. that's just a fact, it has nothing to do with ignorance or whatever. we might see it as nothing, since many people have them in the US or and other countries, but they don't. everyone that's bashing them for being ignorant, or stupid, really know nothing about this culture at all. I have a tattoo and i know that when i go to Japan, i'll have to respect their ways and cover it up. instead of living in a rock, like most of your comments make you seem, learn about the culture and the way of life and understand that everyone's different. only because you think it's right, it doesn't mean it is. please, some of you, learn to appreciate others... it really pisses me off reading some of the comments on here, it shows who truly is unintelligent and who isn't.

This exactly what we are talking about. this logic is flawed. If gangster has a tatoo, doesnt mean that all tatoos mean gansters. This is 2012! what was in the past, should remain in the past. A simple background test should reveal whether employee is gang affiliated or not.

If anybody is living under a rock it's an undeducated ignorant cretin who's mentality hasn't changed from 1950's

0 ( +2 / -2 )

JenG33,

"A lot of people fail to notice, that in this culture, tattoos are seen in a negative light. many of the older generations see them as part of the Yakuza. "

Wow. Tattoos and Yakuza? Negative light?! Really?! Thank you soooooo much for providing that illuminating insight, since, well, gee whiz, none us of us poor, dumb gaijin living under rocks here had any idea whatsoever about that particular relationship.

(Rolls eyes)

Thanks, but the issue runs a little bit deeper than your Japanese Culture 101 nugget. Any foreigner living in Japan for any significant amount of time knows all too well that old folks think a tattoo automatically equals Yakuza, but I really didn't expect supporters of Hashimoto's nonsense to trot out the noisome but ever-present, "You just don't get the inscrutable Japanese" cultural relativity argument.

Newsflash: It has little to do with what foreigners think. The Japanese who live in Osaka are the ones unhappy with Hashimoto over this. Not just us poor, ignorant gaijin.

Yes, old folks think tattoos equal Yakuza. But the logical corellation is that not all young folks, particularly in Osaka, necessarily agree.

Nor middle-aged Japanese in Osaka.

Nor Japanese professional educators in Osaka.

Nor Japanese representatives in the Osaka City Council.

Nor the Japanese Bar Association.

It's these folks who represent a significant and respected segment of Osaka society who believe Hashimoto is being ignorant, stupid, and not just a little bit crazy. Hence the presence of nighly updates during national news broadcasts -- yes, the Japanese ones. Not the poor, ignorant gaijin newscasts -- keeping the nation informed of Hashimoto's latest efforts to bring a dictatorship back to Japanese governance.

It just so happens that a number of us poor, ignorant gaijin agree with our Japanese friends, associates, and peers that Hashimoto is waaay out of line on this.

Of those friends, associates, and peers, it may surprise you to learn (since we're engaged in enlightening one another) that these folks are not now, nor have they ever been affiliated with the Yakuza, nor any other organized crime syndicate. They're just like "normal" Japanese folk: They busted their asses in high school to go to a good college to get a good job. They bust their asses at work to earn a fair wage and build a good life for themselves and their families. And they do it as law abiding citizens who pay their taxes, pensions, and National Healthcare premiums dutifully and without complain.

And now they have to wake up every morning under the spectre of possibly seeing all that hard work turn to dust because Hashimoto can't separate his personal family issues regarding his Yakuza father and uncle, from his responsibilities as an elected official serving all of the people of Osaka.

"learn about the culture and the way of life and understand that everyone's different.

Oh, the irony.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Biggest personal takeaway is the degree of sensitivity of the tattoo topic here. Surprising.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Horsefella, I did not want to throw the race issue in there but man, you took the words right out of my mouth! Some people do not understand this, why?? Oh my daddy had tattoos all over his arms, legs, back, his bum and for every tooth he lost at the local pub when drinking too much he would go out and make up for it with a new tattoo?? Sorry folks, you can be the nicest, most educated guy in the room, but when you start showing off tattoos??

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Another note on tattoos, remember a good friend working in down town Los Angeles in the emergency room of some huge hospital, every Friday night, just like clock work, the more tattoos and less teeth a guy would have, these are the types that get into street fights, bar fights etc..get a beer bottle or bar stool across the mouth and come in bleeding and laughing because they are so high on god knows what kind of drugs and alcohol, not too sure if them evil tattooed teachers in Osaka are this bad, but I guess by Japanese standards they must be careful, right??

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

JenG33Jun. 29, 2012 - 04:31AM JST

A lot of people fail to notice, that in this culture, tattoos are seen in a negative light. many of the older generations see them as part of the Yakuza. that's just a fact, it has nothing to do with ignorance or whatever. we might see it as nothing, since many people have them in the US or and other countries, but they don't. everyone that's bashing them for being ignorant, or stupid, really know nothing about this culture at all. I have a tattoo and i know that when i go to Japan, i'll have to respect their ways and cover it up.

instead of living in a rock, like most of your comments make you seem, learn about the culture and the way of life and understand that everyone's different. only because you think it's right, it doesn't mean it is. please, some of you, learn to appreciate others... it really pisses me off reading some of the comments on here, it shows who truly is unintelligent and who isn't.

@JenG33, Apparently you have not studied Hitler hard enough. "Culture" is exactly Hitler used to gain popularity and power among Germans at beginning. I was fortunate enough to visit the Egle's Nest (old commanding HQ) in Germany to study a history of Hitle as a history scholar when I was in college. FYI

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A lot of people fail to notice, that in this culture, tattoos are seen in a negative light. many of the older generations see them as part of the Yakuza. that's just a fact, it has nothing to do with ignorance or whatever. we might see it as nothing, since many people have them in the US or and other countries, but they don't. everyone that's bashing them for being ignorant, or stupid, really know nothing about this culture at all. I have a tattoo and i know that when i go to Japan, i'll have to respect their ways and cover it up.

Yakuza tattoos are seen in a negative light (typically all-body tattoos). Most people probably wouldn't give a crap if you have a butterfly tattoo on your arm.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Another note on tattoos, remember a good friend working in down town Los Angeles in the emergency room of some huge hospital, every Friday night, just like clock work, the more tattoos and less teeth a guy would have, these are the types that get into street fights, bar fights etc..get a beer bottle or bar stool across the mouth and come in bleeding and laughing because they are so high on god knows what kind of drugs and alcohol, not too sure if them evil tattooed teachers in Osaka are this bad, but I guess by Japanese standards they must be careful, right??

So you're implying that cause I have tattoos I must get into fights a lot and have been to hospital multiple times? I'll have you know I have never been in a fight. Never needed to go to hospital for anything. Always the first one to try and sort arguments out with words. I work as a manager doing web developing and programing in an office. Im highly respected by my colleagues. Im first to get to work, last to leave. I have tattoos on my thumbs which are always visible.

You're so ignorant its scary. As in it's scary how people like you view the world in such a narrow state of mind. Knowing there would be others like you out there.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hashimoto could not care less about people whining about human rights. He thinks that is a joke. This exercise that he carried out was all about his relationship to the Yakusa. He wants to put the shits up thiem so that they will toe his line and not charge members of his party too much in protection fees etc. etc.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I fully support any action against organized crime, but I'm tired of this tattoo BS. I would love to get a tattoo I've wanted to do for years, but I won't simply because I could no longer use the local gym, I wouldn't be able to use the furo at the ryokan, and I'd worry about problems at work. All because the government doesn't have the cajones to just go directly after the REAL yakuza dudes.

Here's an idea: Instead of going after a Grade 9 teacher with a dolphin tattoo on her ankle, why not say, ALL uyoku (ultra right wing) loudspeaker trucks are no longer legal. Nor is it legal to buy the support emblems from the uyoku that the faux tough guys put in their pimped out hello-kitty mobiles. I mean, if you're going to go after the visible presence of the mafia, then go after the stuff that ONLY they do; that has their actual stamp on it. The yakuza don't hide who they are particularly well. The cops know who they are. The local public is well aware who they are. Deal with that first before condemning the dolphin to death!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

by the number of reactions i think my reaction is not far off, overhere japan is seen like almost some kind of cradle when it comes to body-art

how could any 'conservative' traditionalist overthere be against it, someone needs to explain that, i notice a lot of words derived from english in modern japanese, is this one of the places where cultures clash to the point of violent conflict. See, progress comes, only through conflict, but conflict need not imply violence, this however seems like some kind of absurdity. Mind you, i'm alway in the world, never in a country, geopolitics don't apply, neither does religion

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Mrmalice - " body art"? No. Tattoo. Better yet, "plea for attention", as in "how's your plea for attention healing?"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think Hashimoto is a little bit a nervous person. He should turn his eyes towards to the other problems,such as a tax and bullying. This tattoos problem is also private matters,and the teachers and workers have every reason to refuse. However, they work in public, so I think they are wrong as a person. If you Japanese , everyone think so. Hashimoto thinks so too, and he may have surveyed such a reason..

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Hashimoto shoud consider about human right. I cannot understand his this remark. He has good ideas about japanese education. But I think, this action is wrong. Because a mayor should be a model of residents. This behavior has a harmful influence their. Tattoo is a part of fashion. So, tattoo is also individual freedom and privately problem. But,almost Japanese people have not good iimage for tattoo. And I think publick worker is not good things, they show tatoo for working time.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I agree with Toru Hashimoto. I think it is wrong that Employees of the city government have tattoo because people who have tattoo is a bad impression. Therefore, they shouldn't have it because they work at city government. City government is very essential organization for national people. Also, it means representation of the city. If having tattoo infringe on person's privacy and it is permitted, to dye our hair and to have our tongue and lip pierce is allowed? I have never seen employees who have blond hair and have their tongue pierce. Even though they can work very well, I don't think they're good employees.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I usually don't care about tattoo, but if teachers have tattoo, I want them to remove or cover up their tattoo. To have tattoo make bad impression on students and parents. Teachers should teach not only study but morality, social rules etc. However, I guess, Hashimoto should focus on another serious problems of Osaka and Japan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I do not think bad about the tattoo. I think recently there are a lot of people in the fashion tattoo.I think Hashimoto mayor excess too much about the problem. I think for Hashimoto mayor has no more than a bad impression to the tattoo, and he has been severely remarks.There are many workarounds.For example, teachers hide the tattoo in working etc,so Hashimoto is strictly I think there is no need to become.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think tatoo does not worry seriously like this because recently it is one of fashion. Many people write it, but if they take it like tiger or dragon or something, Yakuza, and they don't hode it during working, I think it is not good. On the other hand, they take it for example, small, and it is heir boy(girl)friend's initial, and they hide it or the take it an invisible part during working, it is OK. However I agree with Hikari's comment. Finally, I think it depends like size, part, collor, and design.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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