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There are zero restrictions for competing at the Olympics with tattoos; in fact, many athletes honor the sports event by tatting the Olympic rings, a classic among competitors. But when these stars compete in a country where tattoos are taboos and even banned from public beaches, gyms, and pools, everyone wonders how the Japanese will treat foreigners visiting open spaces.
According to CBS, although tattoos aren’t illegal, a Japanese tattoo artist lived first hand these stigmas when they got fined USD 1,400 for tattooing three customers. According to the law, only those with a medical license can work as tattoo artists. Luckily, five years later, the Supreme Court overruled the ban and acknowledged tattooing as art instead of a medical procedure.
In Japan, tatted people, are considered yakuza, members of transnational organized crime or gangsters; therefore, even actual yazuka tend to keep their ink hidden. Open-minded citizens never show their tattoos, primarily for social reasons and for employment.
Now that the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing, we see athletes proudly showcasing their ink in every competing. From full-arm sleeves to discreet tattoos, find below the tattoos shining at the sports event.
© GettyImagesOlympic Rings
A tattoo of the Olympic Rings is seen on a Swiss swimmer during a heat for the men‘s 4x200m freestyle relay swimming event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Tokyo on July 27, 2021.
© GettyImagesTattoo sleeve
A tattoo sleeve is seen on the arm of Poland’s Jakub Kraska during a heat for the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay swimming event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Tokyo on July 27, 2021.
© GettyImagesLeg tattoo
A tattoo is seen on the leg of Oumayma Bel Ahbib of Morocco during the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kokugikan Arena on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
© GettyImagesForearm tattoo
A picture shows Gabriela Stoeva’s tattoos as she serves during a Women’s Doubles Group D match against Team China on day three of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Musashino Forest Sport Plaza on July 26, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan.
© GettyImagesAnimals tattoo
A close-up of Adam Peaty of Great Britain‘s Lion tattoo after he wins his 100m breaststroke semi-final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
© GettyImagesRibs tattoo
Liam Broady of Team Great Britain‘s tattoo of Achilles is revealed as he changes shirts during his Men’s Singles First Round match against Francisco Cerundolo of Team Argentina on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Tennis Park.
© GettyImagesColorful tattoo
Sweden’s Sarah Sjoestroem’s tattoo is seen after she came in second in a semi-final of the women’s 100m butterfly swimming event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
© GettyImagesFoot tattoo
A tattoo of the Olympic rings is pictured on the foot of Canada‘s Jennifer Abel as she prepares to compete in the women’s synchronized 3m springboard diving final event during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
