@takemymuse: Japan’s top animation film studio has borne many an iconic character. The cuddly and lovable, Totoro, (naturally) remains a top pick.

@e.llocia: Failing that, No Face from Spirited Away makes for a whimsy touch.

@motus.ink: For something a little more imposing, might we suggest the majestic Haku instead?

@eiji_tattoo: You can’t go wrong with classic cherry blossoms.

@heemee.tattoo: If you consider yourself a ramen connoisseur, this is the tat for ya.

@e.llocia: Whip this out the next time someone claims they’re an avid lover of sushi. Okay, but are they as committed as you? Are they?!

@motus.ink: This ain’t just any old wave — for those unaware, it’s actually based off the most recognizable work of Japanese art in the world. Look up The Great Wave off Kanagawa, stat.

@takemymuse: * Pokemon theme song intensifies *

@tokyothreetides: A rabbit’s foot has nothing on omamori; Japan’s answer to a good luck charm.

@takemymuse: This long-legged beaut is a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity within Japanese culture.

@takko.san: Is it really a Japanese establishment if it doesn’t have a maneki neko by the door?

@sylvia_tattoo: Up the stakes by adding a daruma doll to the mix.

@takemymuse: Japan’s top animation film studio has borne many an iconic character. The cuddly and lovable, Totoro, (naturally) remains a top pick.

@e.llocia: Failing that, No Face from Spirited Away makes for a whimsy touch.

@motus.ink: For something a little more imposing, might we suggest the majestic Haku instead?

@eiji_tattoo: You can’t go wrong with classic cherry blossoms.

@heemee.tattoo: If you consider yourself a ramen connoisseur, this is the tat for ya.

@e.llocia: Whip this out the next time someone claims they’re an avid lover of sushi. Okay, but are they as committed as you? Are they?!

@motus.ink: This ain’t just any old wave — for those unaware, it’s actually based off the most recognizable work of Japanese art in the world. Look up The Great Wave off Kanagawa, stat.

@takemymuse: * Pokemon theme song intensifies *

@tokyothreetides: A rabbit’s foot has nothing on omamori; Japan’s answer to a good luck charm.

@takemymuse: This long-legged beaut is a symbol of luck, longevity, and fidelity within Japanese culture.

@takko.san: Is it really a Japanese establishment if it doesn’t have a maneki neko by the door?

@sylvia_tattoo: Up the stakes by adding a daruma doll to the mix.

Beauty | Buro Loves

Tattoos to commemorate the latest ruling that legalises ink in Japan, from anime to cuisine

Whole new world

Text: Emily Heng

Image: Instagram | @takemymuse

No matter your personal stance on tattooing, there's no denying that body art has gained a new lease of life in recent years. What once bore negative connotations related to gang activity and delinquency is now viewed as a form of art — even in Japan, where it was mandated for years that tattoo artists need medical licenses to run their business. Well, no more. In a historic ruling just last week, Japan's Supreme Court has declared tattooing requiring "artistic skills different from medicine, and that it cannot be assumed that doctors do the act exclusively." A game changing moment, indeed. And what better way to celebrate this historic moment than by sporting some Japan-inspired ink? From sakura blooms to pop culture references, here's how you can commemorate the occasion.

Beauty

tattoo

Buro 24/7 Selection

Tattoos to commemorate the latest ruling that legalises ink in Japan, from anime to cuisine

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