Japan's mafia is the famously dangerous yakuza - which, for those who didn't know, is headquartered in Hiroshima, just blocks away from our home. Yakuza members' distinctive looks include very short hair, hip-hop clothing, bling accessories (like oversized gold chains) and - above all - tattoos. These tattoos are not the gang's identification mark like any LA gangster's. They are rather a sign of strength and courage (a bit unnecessary these days, when getting a tattoo is not nearly as painful as it used to be in the old times).
Anyway - I found out today that one of the most popular tattoos among yakuza members is.... guess what - no, not skulls. Not arrow-crossed hearts either. It is... cherry blossoms!!
Unfortunately, Yakuza members' tattoos are normally not visible (all that pain to keep them covered - I know). Not having been able to get a picture of a cherry blossom tattoo to share, here's a live model that I photographed this past weekend.
More cherry blossom pictures from our multiple spring picnics under the cherry trees by the Hiroshima castle under the "2008 Ohanami" link on the right.
PS - Another popular tattoo are carp fish. And Buddha is a close follower. Whowoudavthunk?
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