[cranks]

Well, if you are actually planning to live in Japan, getting a tattoo, especially the Japanese style one, isn't a good idea. It is still considered a taboo, and traditional Japanese tattoo has been for Yakuzas. Yeah, people will understand you are from another culture and it is different from a Yakuza guy getting tattooed to intimidate people and to show loyalty to their "family", but still, I don't know how it'll come across. You will be technically banned from public baths and Onsen too (Though I went to an Onsen with my American friend with a tattoo once without any problem).