Graffiti in Japan is a complicated subject, often caught in the tension between being seen as a form of art and being labeled as a crime. Unlike in many Western countries where graffiti has evolved into a recognized form of urban expression, in Japan, the practice remains highly controversial and tightly controlled. This blog delves into the history of graffiti in Japan, the challenges faced by graffiti artists, and the broader cultural implications of the country’s strict anti-graffiti stance.
The Late Arrival of Graffiti in Japan
Graffiti and street art in Japan developed later than in many other parts of the world. While cities like New York and Berlin had already embraced graffiti as part of their urban culture by the 1980s, Japan was slower to catch on. The country’s conservative culture and strict laws against vandalism have played a significant role in suppressing the growth of this art form. In fact, the word for graffiti in Japanese, “rakugaki” [落書き], carries a dismissive connotation, often referring to the kind of doodles that children make on their school desks.
The Reality of Graffiti in Japanese Cities
For those who visit Tokyo or other large Japanese cities like Yokohama, the lack of visible graffiti can be surprising. Japan is known for its vibrant lights, signs, and advertisements, creating a visual overload in certain districts. However, this explosion of color and imagery is limited to specific areas. The rest of the cityscape is often drab and unremarkable, with little to no graffiti in sight. Finding illegal graffiti or legal murals requires venturing into the most hidden corners of the city, such as remote alleys or the underside of large bridges on the outskirts of urban areas. Even then, graffiti is almost non-existent, a stark contrast to the colorful street art seen in cities like New York, Paris, or São Paulo.
The Cultural Context: Respect for Public Spaces
One of the key reasons for the scarcity of graffiti in Japan is the country’s deep-rooted respect for public spaces. Japanese society places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and order, and graffiti is often seen as a violation of these values. Public spaces are considered communal, and defacing them with graffiti is viewed as a disrespectful act. This cultural attitude has contributed to the widespread belief that graffiti is not art, but rather an unwanted intrusion on the shared environment.
The Role of Graffiti in Japanese Society
Despite these challenges, a small but dedicated community of graffiti artists exists in Japan. These artists often operate in the shadows, aware of the risks but motivated by a desire to express themselves. SAYS, a Japanese graffiti artist, has commented on the unique nature of graffiti in Japan, noting that the country has very few legal walls where graffiti is permitted. He points out that the number of graffiti writers in Japan is extremely small compared to other countries, but he also believes that the scene is still developing and has the potential to grow.
This underground nature of Japanese graffiti adds to its mystique. In many ways, the risks involved in creating graffiti in Japan make it a more rebellious and subversive act, reinforcing its status as a form of resistance against societal norms. However, this also limits its visibility and acceptance as a legitimate art form.
The Perception of Graffiti as Crime
The Japanese government’s stance on graffiti is clear: it is a crime. This view is reflected in the way graffiti is discussed in the media and in public discourse. For example, a video by popular YouTubers living in Tokyo highlighted some of the most “dangerous” neighborhoods in the city, such as Adachi and Kabukicho in Shinjuku. In these areas, the presence of graffiti, along with other signs of urban decay like garbage and the lack of security cameras, was cited as evidence of higher crime rates. Graffiti was described in pejorative terms, with tags and stickers on an electricity box being referred to as “scribble” rather than art.
This perception of graffiti as a sign of urban blight rather than a form of artistic expression underscores the challenges faced by graffiti artists in Japan. It also raises questions about the role of graffiti in society: Is it merely vandalism, or can it be seen as a valid form of cultural expression?
Graffiti as Art: A Growing Recognition?
Despite the negative perceptions and legal risks, there is a growing recognition of graffiti as a form of art in Japan. This is especially true in the context of international influences and the increasing globalization of art. Some Japanese cities have started to embrace urban art, with legal murals and street art festivals showcasing the work of both Japanese and international artists. However, these events are still relatively rare, and the majority of graffiti remains underground.
For those within the graffiti community, the act of creating graffiti is often seen as an assertion of individualism and creativity in a society that values conformity. It is a way of making one’s mark on the world, even in the face of significant obstacles. This rebellious spirit is at the heart of graffiti culture, both in Japan and around the world.
Conclusion: Graffiti in Japan—Art or Crime?
The question of whether graffiti is art or crime is particularly relevant in Japan, where cultural values, legal restrictions, and public perceptions all play a role in shaping the graffiti scene. While graffiti is often viewed as a crime in Japan, there is also a growing recognition of its artistic value, particularly among younger generations and within the global art community.
Ultimately, the future of graffiti in Japan will depend on how society chooses to view and regulate this form of expression. Will it continue to be suppressed, or will it find a more accepted place in Japanese culture? For now, graffiti remains a risky endeavor in Japan, but one that is driven by a powerful desire for self-expression and creativity.
