New rules

Recently I was asked to go to an onsen with some friends but, I had to explain to them that I am not able to go and why which, reminded me of an interesting story. About three months ago my friends invited me to go to a super sento in Funabashi. People always talk about how nice and relaxing it is to enjoy the hot public baths that are so popular in Japan. I had never been to something like this before and I was really excited to experience something new. We all walked to the sento together and it was cold outside so, I was looking forward to getting into the hot water even more. After the guys and girls separated and went into their changing rooms, my excitement suddenly changed to sadness. Not because the guys and girls had different baths but, because on the entrance door there was a huge sign that said “No tattoos!” I knew that Japanese people as a culture, are pretty against the idea of people having tattoos because it is a sign of the Yakuza but, I didn’t think that as a foreigner having tattoos, that there would be any problems. I was wrong. I went into the baths anyway thinking, because I was a foreigner it would be OK but, after about 30 minutes a staff member came up to me and told me that someone complained about my tattoos and that I must leave.

I understood that it was a cultural thing and I did get my money back so, it was not a big problem. The whole experience was a big reminder that I was really in a different country and culture from my own. I thought it was actually nice for me to go through because it was the only real discrimination I have had to deal with and now I feel, I have one more level that I can relate to people with which, is only good for me in the long term.