As Rugby players and fans gear up to visit Japan for the World Cup, they are being given some unexpected advice — to cover up their tattoos.
Rugby's international governing body is telling players to conceal tattoos at gyms and pools, urging them to wear sports vests. It says tattoos are often associated with Japanese organized crime known as the "yakuza." That is the perception of many in Japan. More than half of 600 hotels and traditional inns surveyed three years ago said that they don't allow tattoos in their communal baths.
Rugby players say they will respect Japan's culture and comply with the advice, even though many of the New Zealand All Blacks are Maori, and tattoos are a big part of their culture, symbolizing their heritage and status.
The "cover up your tattoos" warning is being highlighted by the international media and already stirring up controversy online.
◆gear up準備を整える
◆communal共同の、地域社会の、公共の
◆comply with～に従う、～に応じる
◆highlight強調する、目立たせる
◆stir up引き起こす、巻き起こす
