rugby world cup 2019

World Rugby advises teams to cover up tattoos at 2019 World Cup in Japan

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Lol. Going to wear long sleeves ? I bet not !

13 ( +14 / -1 )

I think Japanese already know a bunch non-Japanese with tattoos aren't part of the yakuza.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

This has to be one of the stupidest things I have read in a while. Offend their hosts! Come on. This is simple mindedness at its zenith. How many All Blacks belong to a Yakuza group? It is there heritage and history, respect and rejoice in it.

19 ( +22 / -3 )

Come on, we all know how welcoming the yakuza are to non-Japanese. These players are clearly here to do some business deals with the yaks. The rugby is just a side-show.

15 ( +16 / -1 )

I’d like to know how they are going to cover facial tattoos.

Japanese are offended by tattoos because of their connection with the yakuza. So, if they see a 200 kilo Mauro with tattoos they will be afraid because of his tattoos? What a load of crap! They’ll be afraid because his hands are big enough to squash their head like a melon.

Japan always has issues when foreign countries tell them what to do, but they have no qualms in telling other countries’ people what to do. It is 2018 and most tattooed Japanese have nothing to do with the yakuza. This recoendation is nothing more than Japan trying to bully other countries.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

Maybe those easily offended by skin art need to cover their precious eyes instead.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Japan badmouthing must be ingrained into some people's DNA.

This has got nothing to do with:

"Japan always has issues when foreign countries tell them what to do, but they have no qualms in telling other countries’ people what to"; "This recoendation is nothing more than Japan trying to bully other countries.";j or "Maybe time for Japan to realize its 2018 and lots of foreigners have tatooes so maybe its time to become a bit more open minded"!!!!

THIS IS AN ADVISE COMING FROM THE WORLD RUGBY, namely tournament Director Alan Gilpin.

This is nothing to do with Japan.

Jeeezus!"

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@ppl having a go at Japan, the request/'suggestion' comes from WR's dinosaurs, not Japan itself.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Great move by the World Rugby Assoc.! I love it. It is reverse psychology. By announcing that they will be considerate of Japan's attitude towards tattoos they are highlighting the idiotic law in the first place.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Many of the foreign players in Japanese baseball have tats, that doesn't seem to bother anyone.

I don't know who initiated this but I think it would be sufficient to just notify the players that they may be denied admittance to some Japanese traditional venues because of tats and to accept it.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Why is Japan even allowed to host if this was going to be an issue? Ridiculous.

Japan reeeeeally needs to get with the times.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I'll never understand this linking of all tattoos to yakuza. The yaks have very distinct tattoo styles that you would never find on a non yak. A foreigner would probably get beat up walking around with yakuza tats. Not all tattoos are the same.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Yeah, go tell that to the All Blacks Maori guys! For them the tattoos are sacred! How the hell was Japan allowed to host the World Cup, if they knew tattoos will be a problem? What will they do with the Olympics 2020? These are not some scum-bag yakuza!

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Kia ora!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

As I said earlier and contrary to what others believe.... I don't think this was "well meant". I believe it is an intentional slap at Japan's idiotic law regarding tattoos. By announcing this World Rugby is making this an issue. Saying you'll be sensitive to Japan's tattoo law is basically saying to the world.... Japan has a law that frowns heavily upon tattoos and outright bans them from being shown in many public places. This is typical "hide your head in the sand" Japan. If you don't see it is doesn't exist. Sweep it under the tatami mat. At some point Japan's younger generation will rebel and they'll all be clamoring to get tattoos.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Or Japan just needs to grow up and realize the entire world doesn’t share their antiquated biases.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

This is a rugby story and the best players are covered in ink, soccer too, and Olimpics. Why is Japan idolising say Beckom yet are offended by others with tattoos. I'm guessing a lot of rugby players and Olymipcs competitors are going to need to be wrapped up like mommies so as not to offend Japanese...might be a culture thing. Other cultures not so warped.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

This is wrong, show tattoos no one cares as long as you don't go swimming or to a public bath.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

gogogo, Usually I enjoy what you write. However, no one should care about tats in a swimming pool or onsen, either. They are not contagious.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Going backwards, World Rugby? A rather obscene and derogatory request, that.

@gogogo. Yes, but that too should be done away with. It’s not protecting anything, trust me.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Okay, so you want to HOST the WORLD cup, right? That would mean, logically, that you are "open" to "embracing" the world, and its various cultures, no? Japan, under these circumstances, you do NOT get to tell others how to represent themselves!! Get over it, or hand it over to a mature society. It's not too late.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

That's ridiculous. Japanese people know foreigners with tattoos are not yakuza. Like they know fellow Japanese with Western style tattoos are not yakuza. Most younger people don't even care. It's just outdated rules around onsen.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Oh please....the punch-perm is also associated with the yak, too. The point is, so what? Don't host an event if your populace is too sensitive to see tattoos. Do you want to see the best of the best play their hearts out? Then deal with it.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Are they going to add paralympics athletes missing part of their hand to hide that fact as well in order to prevent people thinking they might be yakusa? Japan is by no definition a modern country anymore, completely stuck in clichés of their own making!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

What next? Same sex married couples sit opposite sides of the stadium? Get with the times Japan!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I’m pretty tired of this topic.

Lets get a few things straight.

Most Japanese people don’t care about tattoos. The ones who do care about YOUR tattoo(s) probably do not have a problem like not wanting yakuza in their onsen.

They simply are using your tattoo as a thing they can complain about, tattle tale on, or use it to show that someone is “bad”.

What the heck is up with all this “Don’t offend the Japanese, they don’t know what tattoos are.” How much longer are we gunna go on about this nonsense?

I am sure it’s 80% about conformity and being old fashioned than anything else. 50% old folks on this island.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Should’ve mentioned this before accepting the gig no?

i think it’s click bait but if true, I’m ashamed for Japan’s naivety and closed mindedness.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

THIS IS AN ADVISE COMING FROM THE WORLD RUGBY, namely tournament Director Alan Gilpin.

This is nothing to do with Japan.

japan is part of World Rugby and it is inconceivable that they weren't consulted on, or at least made aware of this this first.

Had they been completely blind-sided by the annoncement, then surely the appropriate response would have been:

"We thank World Rugby for its advice on tattoos and its consideration for Japanese culture. However, we also recognise the cultural significance of tattoos in many rugby-playing nations, and welcome all players and fans whether they have tattoos or not."

But they haven't and I doubt they will.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Truly amazing when paid security at the beach walks past fully sleeved and front to back covered Japanese people to warn a nanbanjin- ah, sorry, gaijin that tattoos are not allowed and they need to cover them. It never happens ...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

THIS IS AN ADVISE COMING FROM THE WORLD RUGBY, namely tournament Director Alan Gilpin.

This is nothing to do with Japan.

Except that it has everything to do with Japan. That's why people who visit tiptoe around Japanese manners and customs and try not to get dirty looks from the locals for the smallest of "infractions." It's why the Japanese travel all over the world (or did when their economy was better) sealed in tour bus bubbles enjoying a perfectly Japanese version of whatever country they visited.

Cricky's earlier comment about Beckham's tats is well taken and proof that this stance by Gilpin is unnecessary.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@philly1...you’ve highlighted some great points and are spot on!

@marcelito... excellent comment and absolutely true about the J- oyaji point!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"You think he came up with this all by himself? You think the J- oyajis who run everything here didnt ' mention" to World Rugby that Japan has a " unique culture " and tattoos have a stigma and it would be a lovely considerate gesture if WR gave it special consideration " ?

Of course it has ''everything to do with Japan ."

What makes you speak with such authoritative certainty?

Were you there? Did you attend such meetings?

Assumptions on this site are regarded as valid and conclusive, so long the issues pertains to Japan.

But NO! You're definitely now allowed to do the same if it's another country!!!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

SpeedToday  04:10 pm JST

I think Japanese already know a bunch non-Japanese with tattoos aren't part of the yakuza.

The vast majority, yes. That doesn't stop some people freaking out when they see someone with tats (small group, I know: but had it happen to me one time in a gym).

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There are lots of onsen, gyms, public baths who don't mind tattoos. Today's Japanese are quite used to tattoos both local and overseas, just look at the Sanja festival in Tokyo for staters and the influx of tourists with ink. Also, the younger generation here are getting inked up more. It's only those in a time warp who have an issue with it and are following what they are told in the media. Saying that, one hotel did make a fuss about the ABs using their facilities a couple of years ago. This has probably come about due to the crusties of the IRB and JRFC but with initial good intentions. If you want an interesting cultural lesson on tattoos, chat to a Maori or Pacific Islander. I spoke to a few last year on the British & Irish Lions tour, they are proud to explain the symbology and what it represents, plus ask you about yours and why you had that design. The original people here with tattoos were firemen and coal miners plus the Ainu long before skin art was associated with the yakusa.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I don't have any tats myself and most likely will never get one, and I especially don't like them on females, unless they're very small and on their bottoms, hehe, but otherwise, cripes, who cares about guys with tats?

"That doesn't stop some people freaking out when they see someone with tats (small group, I know: but had it happen to me one time in a gym)."

I watched gym staff tell a guy from the U.K. he had to cover up the tat on his arm or leave. He left.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Haven't the All Blacks played in Japan in the past? I'm sure the Japanese will suss this out because it's sure to be covered ad nauseum in media.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Japanese excuse to kick foreigners with tattoos out of gyms or onsen is racism. Why? All Japanese people know full well that there is no such thing as a foreign yakuza member. It doesn't happen. The yakuza are a right-wing movement and only accept purebred Japanese. So the fairy story about no tattoos because they are associated with yakuza is nonsense for foreigners. Also real yakuza rarely show their tattoos. Mainly in sento and they do not frequent well known onsen resorts. Again, anyone freely showing their tattoos in gyms are definitely not yakuza.

If the Japanese are so keen to host Rugby World Cups and Olympics, then they need to respect other peoples cultures.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Patricia Yarrow: Regarding my comment I actually should have written my comment better, no one in Japan (including Japanese) care if you flash tattoos around town, but go to an osen or swimming pool and some Japanese will care.

The issue is that the staff want to keep out Yakuza, they do that with the no tattoo rule. While it is obvious the foreigner is not Yakuza, when the Yakuza turn up and try to get it they can not longer use that rule because they let it white boy over there with tattoos.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Japanese excuse to kick foreigners with tattoos out of gyms or onsen is racism.

Nonsense.

The yakuza are a right-wing movement and only accept purebred Japanese.

Nonsense. There are plenty of Korean Japanese in the yakuza.

The signs against tattoos are visible in areas where there are hardly any foreigners and were around long before the current fad for tattoos began in the west. They will probably still be around when the fad dies out.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Patricia Yarrow: Thanks for enjoying my comments :)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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