Tattoos are synonymous with the Japanese underworld, especially from a foreign perspective. Tattoos in Japan were originally used to mark someone who had committed a crime. Organized crime members also adopted the artform, wearing tattoos to show allegiance to their clan. Tattoos have had a long history being associated with crime in Japan and although legalised in 1948, they are still not widely accepted.

The Japanese police force has made it abundantly clear of recent that individuals and businesses who mix or deal with crime syndicates will be harshly dealt with. Evidently, not every gangster in Japan has a tattoo, and not every person with a tattoo is a gangster but the stigma remains that those with tattoos could be part of the underworld. For this reason, Japanese businesses are reluctant to allow tattooed guests onto their premises, especially businesses that allow guests to show a little skin.

Tattooed foreigners traveling around Japan may occasionally come upon a sign stating that guests with tattoos are not welcome. Japanese bathhouses, pools, gyms, and even some hotels forbid people with tattoos to enter the premises. Some would argue that tattooed guests in Japan are discriminated against. The problem for Japanese business owners is their inability to distinguish between tattoos that are or are not gang-related. Unfortunately, this creates a situation where anyone with ink, Japanese or otherwise, becomes tarred with the same brush.

This is also the case for tattoos at golf clubs in Japan. Golf courses and the shower rooms are places where skin is shown, especially during the warmer months. If you do have a tattoo you very simply need to cover it up at all times while on the club’s premises. Long pants, long socks, long sleeves, or arm socks will do the job nicely. The more difficult part to negotiate is the bathing areas after the round. If you are able to cover the tattoos with some waterproof tape then I suggest you do so. Just remember, the only thing more embarrassing than showing your tattoos on the golf course or in the shower room is when you are kindly being asked to cover them. Generally nothing will happen to the individual who bares their tattoos but it may be noted if noticed. Unfortunately the problem will be inherited by the member or staff member who was responsible for introducing the tattooed guest. My advice - don't put yourself and especially anyone else in that position. Instead, cover up or head to the bar for a cold beer after golf while your friends use the locker room facilities. Its not that difficult to wait until you return to your hotel for a shower.

I think what is important is not to take it personally but respect the custom, understand the history, the business owner’s decision, and the reasoning behind it. Don't let the fact that you have a little ink stop you from experiencing playing golf in Japan.

Ricky Fowler is sporting a few tattoos on his arms these days and would be an interesting situation for him if he came to play in Japan. The question remains whether or not he would cover his tattoos while playing. Maybe Ricky is the perfect person to break the stereotype and display his tattoos, helping clubs to relax their rules a little. The litmus test will be the 2021 Olympics with so many athletes sporting tattoos. Interesting times ahead.