Japanese Beach Frequented by U.S. Navy Bans 'Scary' Tattoos

ZUSHI, Japan, Feb. 27 (UPI) —
A Japanese town with a beach frequented by U.S. service members has passed a ban on displaying “scary” tattoos at the beach.

The Zushi City Council ordinance includes a number of rules for the beach — including bans on displaying “scary” tattoos, playing loud music, holding barbecues and drinking alcoholic beverages outside the restaurants lining the beach, Stars and Stripes reported Thursday.

The town is a 10-minute train ride from Yokosuka Naval Base, making it popular among U.S. sailors.

It was unclear Thursday how the town would define “scary” tattoos, while city official Masashi Koizumi said the ban would cover full-body tattoos, but not smaller body art.

Officials said the city will establish a committee to determine how the rules will be enforced when they take effect in late March.

Tattoos in Japan are often a sign of membership in the Yakuza organized crime group. Many businesses in the country require patrons to cover up their tattoos.

U.S. Navy officials said they could not comment on the ordinance Thursday because they have not yet discussed it with city officials.