Fans told to cover up tattoos for the Rugby World Cup

We’ve talked before about Japanese tattoos, their history, and cultural significance.

In short, tattoos are frowned upon in Japan because they are associated with the criminal underworld, particularly the Yakuza.

As a result, fans heading over for the Rugby World Cup have been told to cover up, especially when using gyms or pools, or risk offending the locals.

It’s official!

World Rugby, the sport's governing body, has posted advice to the estimated 400,000 travelling fans.

A 2015 survey found that 56% of hotels and inns did not allow tattooed guests to use communal bathing facilities.

Japan's tourism agency has called on spas in the country to relax their rules.

The organisation suggested that hot springs - onsens - and bath houses could offer visitors stickers to cover up tattoos, or set aside specific times of day when tattooed bathers can use the facilities.

A problem for the Players too!

While not required during matches, visiting players and officials have been warned by World Rugby to cover up in public.

New Zealand and Samoa players in Japan are already covering up in hot springs, hotel lobbies and other public areas.

"We've got an onsen, or a spa, at every hotel," All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith told the New Zealand Herald.

He said in a public spa the players had to wear clothes to cover tattoos.

"And that's okay, we're in Japan, we have to embrace their way, their culture," he said.

A dangerous member of the Yakuza, yesterday.

Happy birthday to us!

It’s time to celebrate as Sunset Studio hits another milestone and turns 5!

We’ve come a long way in 5 years and wish to convey our thanks to everyone who has helped us on our journey.

From our loyal and amazing clients to our world-class tattoo artists. We couldn’t ask for a better team.

Celebrate with a Flash Party!

To celebrate our 5th birthday, we’re having a party! 

On Saturday 16 November we are bringing you 2019’s biggest and best flash party with a hectic line up of stellar international guest artists.

Keep your eyes on our social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram, or email the shop info@sunsettattoo.co.nz for more updates and announcements.

Thanks again to everyone who has made the last 5 years so incredible, here’s to plenty more!

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10th is the official UN World Suicide Prevention Day.

Unfortunately, New Zealand has one of the worst suicide rates in the Western World, with the figures increasing year-on-year.

After a sharp rise in recent years, the Government is stepping up its attempts to reduce the number of deaths, but there’s a long way to go.

The troubling statistics

In the year to June 30, 685 people took their own lives - 17 more than the previous year. 

In the year 2017 - 2018, the suicide rate was 13.67 deaths per 100,000 people. That's since increased to 13.93 in 2018 - 2019.

The youth suicide rate is also up, particularly in the 15 - 19 age range, with 20 more deaths by suicide than the year before. Eighty-four young New Zealanders between the ages of 10 and 19 died by suicide in the 2018 - 2019 period. Eleven of them were under the age of 15.

Ninety-one Kiwis aged 20 - 24 died by suicide, 15 more than the previous year.

There was also an increase in the suicide rate among Māori and Pacific people. The Māori suicide rate increased from 23.72 to 28.23 per 100,000 - there were 169 deaths in the 2018 - 2019 period, up from 142.

The Pacific suicide rate went from 7.77 to 11.49, from 23 to 34 deaths. 

Suicide affects everyone

Suicide destroys families. 

For both those who lose someone to suicide and those who have attempted themselves, the impact is profound. And often, these experiences overlap. 

For those who have felt the loss of a loved one to suicide, they have a higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal behaviors themselves.

Project Semicolon

The semicolon tattoo was popularized by Amy Bleuel and is dedicated to the prevention of suicide through raising public awareness of depression and equipping communities and individuals with tools to promote mental health. 

Having struggled with depression, addiction, and difficult personal circumstances, particularly after being raped and her father died by suicide, Amy wanted something to commemorate her survival. 

In 2013, she founded the faith-based nonprofit Project Semicolon, which chose a semicolon as a symbol because it’s “used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.” 

Where to find help and support

If you are having a difficult time, and find yourself needing to talk to someone, please use one of the following numbers:

Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

5 inspirational ideas for a great tiger tattoo

Everyone loves tigers.

Like seriously, everyone.

And not only are they cool as fuck, but they look great in a tattoo. In fact, just by their sheer awesomeness, it’s hard to make a tiger look uncool.

If you’re in love with our endangered feline friends, then a tattoo is a great way to show it.

We’ve found 5 different styles you can consider, and as always, credit goes to the original artists.

Photo realistic tiger tattoo

Ok, let’s start with the obvious point - this looks fucking amazing.

Photo-realistic tattoos have their advantages and disadvantages, but one of a beautiful tiger will almost certainly stand the test of time and be worth the many hours in the chair it will take to complete.

Traditional Tiger Tattoo

Tigers are an old favourite of the tattoo artist, and traditional tiger tattoos come in many forms. Even one sitting in a bowl of Ramen Noodles, like this one from our very own Tom Tom.

Japanese Tiger Tattoo

The Japanese have a wonderful fascination with tigers, even though they’re not native to the country. The closest is the Siberian Tiger across the water and hundreds of miles away, but that never stopped Japanese artists from depicting them every chance they got, which is why sometimes, they look a bit… funny.

The Eye of the Tiger

This tattoo is very popular along the forearm, but the one below take the black and white format and adds a little splash of colour with the eyes, resulting in something special.

Tiger cub tattoo

Oh my god look at him! Look how cute he is! Ahhhhhh!!!

Celebrate national dog day with a tattoo of man's best friend

We’re not making this up, National Dog Day is a real thing. 

The event aims to celebrate all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. 

National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. 

Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Celebrate your best friend and the unconditional love they bring with a tattoo!

Traditional Style Dog Tattoo

For the purists out there, a traditional style tattoo will fit nicely with the rest of your collection.

Minimalist style

Perfect for someone who wants something small to remind them of their wee friend!

Photo-realistic dog tattoo

This gorgeous tattoo is of a wee French bulldog… we think. Or it might just be a pug. Who cares, it’s amazing.

Painting style

This stunning tattoo not only captures the soul of the dog, but looks incredible.

Modern abstract design

A bit of colour can make all the difference, and this one really makes the eyes pop!

In memoriam

Anyone who’s lost a dog knows a piece of you dies too. These paw prints are a great way to remember man’s best friend.