Japanese Tattoos: "The History of Japanese Tattoos"

By most accounts, tattooing in Japan may have begun as early as 500BC. During an archaeological excavation in 1977 a drawing of clay figures was discovered that clearly showed people who had facial tattoos. The purpose of the tattoos is quite varied. It’s believed that tattoos decorated the faces and bodies of divers and were used to protect them against large fish while they were in the water.