tattoos and the far east
 

Hi! I have searched but could not found much info about tattoos and eastern airlines.
I have a big tattoo (from shoulder to elbow) that is not visible with short sleeves, except when i work with the upper pannel.
I have not had any problem flying for latin american companies, but i was wondering if i could obtain some info about far east policies.

Thanks!!!!

Salvo

I've been flying in Asia for years and have seen many westerners wearing tattoos similar to yours with no issues. I am aware in Japan a tattoo means mafia, but I am not sure if they would apply the same to a gaijin. As long as you don't look like Myke Tyson you will be just fine.

No issue in China, Vietnam and Cambodia. May raise a question mark in Korea.

Thanks! i ll catch up a little bit more about threads containing info about jobs in asia.

you mean your short sleeves cover your elbow??

I believe that tattoos are not a major problem with Japanese operations, as long as they can be covered up when working, eg. long-sleeved shirts.

For muslims, tattoos are not acceptable...so in Malaysia and Indonesia it may raise some eyebrows but will it impact your chances? I think it may depend on the subject matter of your tattoo. Hell's Angels type probably no. Heart shape with 'MOM'should be fine.

Having said that, the only person who will see you tattoo is the doctor and his input is usually in the form of a checklist.

If there is no specific question (either written or oral) I would not raise the issue.

If I were in your position I may choose to wear long sleeves for the first year or so! Later on if someone raises the issue you can say I've been here for xx years and no one has said anything so far!

HTH
Anil

People are quite traditional in Asia, wear your suit for an interview, make an effort to keep tattoos covered during training, long sleeves etc. In China tattoos are associated with the triad gangsters.

Just don’t try going to the gym in a sleeveless top!

Not a very good combination

Well once again its the age old taboo that tattoo's represent gangs and the underworld. Times are a little different these days where tattoo's are more of a fashion statement and are generally more widely accepted in the Far East.

It does definitely depend on the country.

Japan: probably not a big deal for gaijin
Korea: still has the connotation of organized crime.
Hong Kong and Taiwan: quite in fashion these days, nobody will care.
China: just started a public campaign against tattoos. You might want to keep them covered up.

Just when you thought it couldnt get worse than p2f 5 minute wonder experts

Now tat boy?

Roll on retirement

I work for a large Hong Kong airline. Visible tattoos will exclude you from employment with us.

In Japan visible tattoos will get you banned from hotel gyms and similar venues.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. It seems that long sleeves is part of the answer to my question!

I´ve started searching and it looks like tattoos are just a percentage of the things i ll have to research. I am in my earlies 30´s and i have two kids, so relocate is already an issue + tattoo + etc+etc.