Recently I was told by a PO2 that we can now get tattoos in Japan. He said it's from an OPNAV I believe. Has anyone heard about this? That it changed a couple months ago?

Whatever the answer, just a word to the wise... I teach a career transition workshop for service members about to get out. If you have tattoos that can't be covered up, you are really limiting yourself in career possibilities down the road. Not that a company would ever say this is why they didn't hire you, but it's a huge obstacle during a job interview. Just use common sense, and imagine your future self 10-20 years from now.

We just went through indoc last month and at that time they said they were not allowed

I wasn't aware that they weren't. We didn't hear anything in Sasebo about Tattoos not being allowed. Just need to be covered in Japanese public. We have a tattoo parlor too, Lucky's.

I went through AOB/ICR about ninety days ago. They didn't tell those service members that tattoos are not allowed. They did tell them that tattoo establishments are off limits to active duty...

Thanks for the answers.

To ThaiGuy though, I didn't really need that but okay. I already have several tattoos. And I have common sense.

That comment was generally directed to the public who reads this. Obviously I don't know you. You'd be surprised (or maybe not) at how many youngsters make stupid decisions, and there we are in class trying to explain how they have limited their future options in certain professional careers. Didn't intend to diss you.

I too was told the parlors were off limits. And that some places don't like tattoos. Like the ponds were the fish eat the dead skin off your feet and the steam rocks, I have a friend in Oki who's husband has a tattoo on his ankle and he is turned away from these places all the time. I was told the Japanese mobs have tattoos which is why they don't really like them. And I agree with ThaiGuy 100%. I have always wanted a small tattoo on my wrist that could be covered with a watch, but I also understand it could possibly stretch/lose color/look terrible in 10 or 20 years.
But anyway, just Active Duty are off limits with them.