TATTOOING IN JAPAN - THE KOJIKI AND NIHON SHOKI

Ancient literature like the Kojiki (712CE) and Nihon Shoki (720CE, some of the earliest books on the history and cultural heritage of Japan) gives us deep insight into the evolving symbolism of tattoos. While some tattoos still denoted status or service, such as those worn by imperial attendants, others were unmistakably used to mark criminals or societal deviants. This influence likely came from China, although penal tattoos were not used commonly until the beginning of the Edo period. Stories of tattooed thieves or traitors reflect a growing public perception of tattoos as signs of moral failure. These conflicting uses suggest that tattoo meaning in Japan was highly contextual, even as the dominant view skewed increasingly negative.