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A tattooed man

Tattoo was regarded to show the virility of men in the Edo era. There are what looks like letters carved in the chest and stomach of this man, but it cannot be read.==Date:unknown, Place:unknown, Photo:Suzuki Shin-ichi, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number41‐39‐0]

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Mail runner with tattoos

The hikyaku (communications system carrying messages on foot) developed during the Edo era. Tattoos were thought to be a symbol of virility. The messenger was proud of his tattoo coat which he wore when he ran the route naked. This structure with the messenger leaning forward is popular in this type of photo.==Date:unknown, Place:unknown, Photo:Kusakabe Kinbei, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number40‐37‐0]

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Mail runner with tattoos

The hikyaku (courier) developed as a means of communication in the Edo era. According to the rank of the person using the hikyaku, there were tsugi hikyaku , daimyo hikyaku and machi hikyaku . The tattoo was a popular symbol of virility in the Edo era. Running naked, the hikyaku was proud of the tattoo which he wore instead of a coat.==Date:unknown, Place:unknown, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number18‐4‐0]