onfucianism is the mastermind behind the
feudal system of Japan, during which people
were abided to a series of rules and it has led
them to compel to certain behaviours, almost
instinctively. Doing something outside of the
unity, would instantly make you stand out like a
sore thumb. Japanese people pride themselves on these
values for it brings them on an equal note.
Everyone knows where our emotions and our thoughts
come from. Our minds. But what shapes our values?
How do we know what is right or wrong? In turns, how
do we express it to ourselves and others?
Confucianism practicers believer that the mind is
composed of ri: principles, and ki: a generative force of
our actions. Like Shintoism, the existence of the ri
indicates that any minds in the universe is of ethical
goodness and rationality in its original state. “The
knowledge provided by the mind was not considered
delusional or unreal, but rather as real as any could
possibly be.” So according to one of their many beliefs in
the book, what brings any culture together is this
subconscious part of our minds derived from the
remnants of the old teachings and our ancestors.
29
Stigma & Fear
We all feel feelings and emotions. Pleasure, anger, sorrow,
fear, love, hate, and desire.
This meant the tattoos are simply an extension of these
philosophical movements as a creative expression befitting
for the artistic emphasises during the Edo Period. It was
considered an act of rebellion to the order of society.
Beyond the political focus, this form of art is aims to
illuminate psychological and emotional factors through its
disposition.
However, with strong accustoms to the ideals in a past
condition, also come with ignorance to the changing
times. Edo has cultivated the native traditions and culture
of Japan. It was the spring and awakening of the human
minds in speaking out about their situation within its
patriarchy discourse. When the Meiji era overtook the
cultural arts with the import of Western influences, Japan’s
traditional patterns were lost. But now, it has renovated
themselves once again.
The question is, why does Japanese tattoos, an art that is
not much different from the celebrated uikyo-e, simply on
a different canvas, became perceived as something
unacceptable to have?