Tattoos

[RoBot]

My tattoos are not visible unless I deliberately show them. Think the key is to be aware & show respect to the community you're living in.

[hatefulsandwich]

I'm almost tempted to get more tattoos so that I can *avoid* onsen and beaches . I kid, I kid.

[RoBot]

I'm almost tempted to get more tattoos so that I can *avoid* onsen and beaches . I kid, I kid.

Haha I like your thinking!

[padfoot]

What about a nose piercing? I am going to have to worry about that in Japan? I'm not going to wear it to the interview obviously, but I'm wondering if I should keep it if I do get in?

[RoBot]

What about a nose piercing? I am going to have to worry about that in Japan? I'm not going to wear it to the interview obviously, but I'm wondering if I should keep it if I do get in?

I am worried about this too- I took out all my piercings except for a lobe piercing in each ear. I have two teeny silver studs on my right nostrel and I love them. Really don't want to have to take them out. I don't think I'd mind during school hours but what about outside of this?

[hatefulsandwich]

Maybe you should just get retainers in case. I've decided to take my piercings out, except for my industrial. I'll just put retainers in that. I wouldn't use retainers during the day with facial piercings, though. They aren't invisible, they just make things less noticeable. On the face it's really quite obvious no matter what you do, though. If you're really paranoid about after-hours, at least the retainers will keep them open.

And get glass retainers if you can. Much healthier than that nasty acrylic stuff.

[RoBot]

Maybe you should just get retainers in case. I've decided to take my piercings out, except for my industrial. I'll just put retainers in that. I wouldn't use retainers during the day with facial piercings, though. They aren't invisible, they just make things less noticeable. On the face it's really quite obvious no matter what you do, though. If you're really paranoid about after-hours, at least the retainers will keep them open.

And get glass retainers if you can. Much healthier than that nasty acrylic stuff.

Thanks HS good idea- will look into getting some glass ones! Do you think people would be offended by piercings outside of the school? I'd like to keep them in if possible but I don't want to be shunned because of them. I suppose it's really down to where I am placed (IF I'm placed - fingers crossed ha). Will have to see! Thanks

[hatefulsandwich]

I think they probably have quite negative connotations if the reaction to earrings is anything to go by. Then again, you are a foreigner. I guess it really does depend on where you're placed and what the views of people are there. It seems it can vary quite widely.

[word]

They probably won't give you crap about it, 'cause you're a foreigner. Some people will probably find it interesting. Some of your students will probably think it's cool. Your school's headmaster will almost certainly NOT think it's cool.

There will be a group of people who will probably assume that you're a thug or some sort of "ne'er-do-well" because of it.


On a different note, why would anyone want to avoid onsen or beaches (unless he/she is just morbidly obese or something)? Onsen are one of my favorite things in Japan; they are glorious--especially in winter. On a really, really cold, snowy day, I like to bring a good book in a ziplock bag to the outside pool and sit and read for an hour or two. It's awesome.

I have a tattoo, but I've never had any problem in onsen. Even been into a couple of "No Tattoo" onsen.

[RoBot]

They probably won't give you crap about it, 'cause you're a foreigner. Some people will probably find it interesting. Some of your students will probably think it's cool. Your school's headmaster will almost certainly NOT think it's cool.

There will be a group of people who will probably assume that you're a thug or some sort of "ne'er-do-well" because of it.


On a different note, why would anyone want to avoid onsen or beaches (unless he/she is just morbidly obese or something)? Onsen are one of my favorite things in Japan; they are glorious--especially in winter. On a really, really cold, snowy day, I like to bring a good book in a ziplock bag to the outside pool and sit and read for an hour or two. It's awesome.

I have a tattoo, but I've never had any problem in onsen. Even been into a couple of "No Tattoo" onsen.

Luckily I'm not morbidly obese! Your post has made ne pretty happy about the Tatto thing! Thanks!! It does sound really nice- onsen that is! Is your tattoo big? Where is it? (for perspective against mine)

[word]

It's not very big, maybe 8cm square or so, but it's quite visible (on my inner forearm). I always have it covered at school, of course, but I never really worry about it at an onsen. Several folks in our block have many/large/visible tattoos and have had no issues.

[hatefulsandwich]

Oh, I dunno, maybe it's just my western aversion to nakedness in a somewhat public area. I'm sure I'd get over it.

[word]

I did. The whole idea of public bathing was a bit off-putting to me, initially. Nowadays, I find that onsen will probably be one of the things I will miss most when I return home.

[RoBot]

I did. The whole idea of public bathing was a bit off-putting to me, initially. Nowadays, I find that onsen will probably be one of the things I will miss most when I return home.

I agree- I'm not good with the beach- mainly because every beach I've ever been too stuns me with golden toned bods- unlike mine, pale and Irishy. But I think I could be ok with onsen as you are submerged!

[word]

Not scared of the beach anymore, either. One of the awesome side effects of regular onsen visitation is that you'll come to realize that naked human bodies aren't perfect in anyplace except porn videos, and you'll start to feel better about yours.

...unless you're too fat, in which case, hopefully you'll find it provides motivation to lose some weight.