Tattoos

[Lexingtongue]

I have four but they are all placed so that they can be easily covered up (top of both arms, two on back). Foolishly got them when i was younger but as long as I don't go topless or wear a vest no one will ever be able to see them. Will this fact I have tattoos count against me even though they are easily hidden?

[Damien_ShimanePA]

I have four but they are all placed so that they can be easily covered up (top of both arms, two on back). Foolishly got them when i was younger but as long as I don't go topless or wear a vest no one will ever be able to see them. Will this fact I have tattoos count against me even though they are easily hidden?

So long as they are easily hidden, it shouldn't be a problem. Many JETs in my prefecture have tattoos such as yours and don't have an issue with them at schools as far as I know. Be aware though, there are some places (onsen, public pools) that may refuse entry based on tattoos, however.

[Soccerguru37]

All of my teachers and half of my students know about my tattoo, and it hasn't been a problem. My school is more laid back than most, though. I did almost get kicked out of one gym, but they just told me I wasn't allowed to use the pool or baths. ESID really. It is definitely more difficult though.

[Lexingtongue]

Are you required to show them at any point during the interview? Know you have to mention them in your application...

[Antonath]

The "tell us about your tattoos" part is new this year, I think, so unless the PCs have heard anything certain, your guess is as good as anyone's.

[Soccerguru37]

If you don't want to tell anyone, then you don't have to tell anyone; whether that's in your application, interview, or living over here, it doesn't matter. Disclosure is at your discretion. It doesn't help that it's incredibly hot during the summer, and I walk around in a sleeveless shirt pretty much all summer after school. I run into my students a lot, which means that they see my tattoo and accuse me of being yakuza. But it was my choice not to really care if they knew.

[Soccerguru37]

Okay, damn. Maybe I'm wrong about the disclosure part. Sucks for you guys if that's true...

[miami_coordinator]

Are you required to show them at any point during the interview? Know you have to mention them in your application...

Where are you seeing that you have to mention them in your application?

[Lexingtongue]

It's listed on the UK JET site under the medical section, I think. Do you think it would be okay to leave them off the application? I'd hate to be discriminated against because of a few daft mistakes I made as a youngster when they can't even be seen unless I want to show them (which I never do). I'd prefer the interviewer to not even know about them and judge me on my abilities rather than have a lingering doubt about me because I have a few tattoos.

[miami_coordinator]

It's listed on the UK JET site under the medical section, I think. Do you think it would be okay to leave them off the application? I'd hate to be discriminated against because of a few daft mistakes I made as a youngster when they can't even be seen unless I want to show them (which I never do). I'd prefer the interviewer to not even know about them and judge me on my abilities rather than have a lingering doubt about me because I have a few tattoos.

That's interesting. I haven't seen a copy of this year's medical self-evaluation form yet, so I don't know if this is standard or not.

I understand your concern, but I can't advise leaving it off your application. If they are as you have indicated (small and easily hidden), I do not believe they would negatively impact your application, whereas if it is revealed that you purposely neglected to declare them, that could be grounds for disqualification or dismissal.

Most likely they want to prevent against having anything very graphic or vulgar for a person employed to teach in a classroom. My recommendation is to be honest and factual (e.g."two on back, two on upper arms; all are under 2 square inches in diameter and are easily hidden under everyday attire, including short-sleeved shirts").

It is possible you could be asked about them in the interview. Since it doesn't appear you want to be in a position to show them off, you might volunteer to say that you would cover them with band-aids if you are ever in a situation where it is impossible to keep them fully hidden, such as at a public bath or in a bathing suit.

[Patryn]

I would hope that tattoos aren't considered in a negative light by JET. It's all part of the internationalisation aspect, IMO. People in other countries get tattoos for fashion/fun, not just because they belong to a gang. Sure, it'll make things a bit more difficult for you while you're in Japan, but it shouldn't count against you in your application. ><

[Lexingtongue]

Ivelived in Japan before and had no problems AT ALL with my tattoos. If I write this fact down might it work in my favour a bit, proving that they are very easily hidden?

[king]

I would hope that tattoos aren't considered in a negative light by JET. It's all part of the internationalisation aspect, IMO. People in other countries get tattoos for fashion/fun, not just because they belong to a gang. Sure, it'll make things a bit more difficult for you while you're in Japan, but it shouldn't count against you in your application. ><

I have heard a story about a guy who was a Maori and was covered in traditional tattoos which was seen as fine as it was part of his culture.
Westerners with their modern tattoos though- no. Japan has many people who get such tatoos too. It is just regarded as a bit thuggish and low class; I cant really see the cultural defence since tatoos aren't even considered entirely acceptable over here. They're not seen as bad as Japan but still, for a teacher to have a tatoo is....iffy.

All being said though I do know a lot of Jets with some tattoos, one girl has hers in quite a easy to see place and it is large. If the form asks about tatoos put it down, if not- well clearly Jet don't see it as a problem and don't care about it, I wouldn't quite agree that it is intentionally concealing something, just not mentioning it along with not mentioning other unimportant things like your favourite colour and all that.

[Namisuke]

Bring your tattoos! It is up to you if you want to tell people about it/them. My boyfriend has a large one on his back. He doesn't tell anyone about it and it is easy to hide, but when he goes to the onsen or does sumo it is easy to see. He has never been thrown out of an onsen though. I heard the trick to that is keeping it covered in the change room and get in the shower quick. I heard you are less likely to get thrown out if you are already naked and wet...lol

I sometimes show my kids pictures of people with tattoos - usually friends of mine. Kids love to see them! Sometimes they tell me that they want one, but that is more rare.

[5pool]

It's listed on the UK JET site under the medical section, I think. Do you think it would be okay to leave them off the application? I'd hate to be discriminated against because of a few daft mistakes I made as a youngster when they can't even be seen unless I want to show them (which I never do). I'd prefer the interviewer to not even know about them and judge me on my abilities rather than have a lingering doubt about me because I have a few tattoos.

what the .. is it even legal to ask about tattoos? putting it under the medical section seems shady, and if i were applying i would totally view that as a way to discriminate against me. if they are easily hidden, then i would lie. not like they could ever find out.