Beach Pigeons

As part of the series “Social Misfits: Portraits from Japan”

Social Misfits: Portraits from Japan is a photo series and collection of interviews exploring what it means to stand outside the norms of Japanese society. Japan is often described as a country of harmony, order, and tradition — yet within that structure are individuals who choose a different paths or choose to express themselves in ways that resist social norms.

This first story introduces Luna, a young creative from Japan whose tattoos represent the phases of her life. Luna is photographed in Hommachi, Osaka’s economic district, surrounded by a stream of white shirts. Her bare, tattooed arms stand in contrast, drawing glances from passersby.

Tattoos are gaining acceptance in Japan, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations, but a persistent societal stigma, often tied to their association with the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime), remains. While tattoos are becoming an increasingly common sight in cities like Tokyo, traditional establishments such as onsen (hot springs), swimming pools, and certain gyms still prohibit them or require they be covered out of respect for social norms.

We spoke to Luna about her life in Japan, her hopes for the future, and why she covers her tattoos at work.

Scroll to view the full gallery and read our interview.

Full Gallery by Isabella Fowden

“You just need to change the way you feel. Take the stares from people and not feel judged, maybe they are just curious.” 

– Luna

Where are you from?

Luna: Originally from Japan. 

Have you grown up in Japan?

Yes, born and raised. 

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Luna: Careful. 

I can’t think of a word, I have a phrase. It’s similar to spontaneous. 

Spontaneous maybe, and shy, and loud.

Final answer; careful, shy and loud. 

How would you describe traditional Japanese society?

Luna: Closed.

Like close minded, 

quiet and judgemental. 

Do you think people view you differently for having tattoos?

Yes. 

What do your tattoos mean to you?

Luna: For me, it’s like a reminder of the phases of my life. The good and bad. 

How do you combat people viewing you differently for having tattoos?

Luna: There’s no way to combat or have them accept it, so you just need to change the way you feel. Take the stares from people and not feel judged; maybe they are just curious. 

How do you see your future?

Creative, and hopefully more comfortable in my own skin. 

What’s something you wish you could tell people who look at you?

Luna: That I speak Japanese. And that I’m interesting, I could be interesting. 

Have you faced any difficulties because of the way you express yourself?

Luna: Yes. With the way I look and the way I dress, with my personality too, it’s quite unique. In Japan you kind of have to fit a certain personality, I’m definitely different from people, thats that. Even if I looked Japanese, I would feel very different. 

Why do you cover your tattoos at work?

Not necessarily to avoid judgement, but the tattoos tend to take over from what I’m trying to do at work, they can be distracting. Especially for Japanese people, my tattoos would be the first thing they notice. So when I’m at work I prefer to not have the distraction. 

Do you hope to continue to live and work in Japan?

Luna: Yes. But my main goal is to have a family in Japan. 

In one sentence what is your favourite thing about Japanese culture. 

Luna: How people preserve traditional culture. How they value tradition and keep it alive. 

If you could change anything about Japanese society what would it be?

Luna: Be more open minded. Celebrate being different, and that it’s okay to be different. 

What is your favourite Japanese word or phrase?

Luna: 七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki). Fall seven times, stand up eight. 

Photography by Isabella Fowden

To reshare images, please contact isafowden@gmail.com