What is hajichi?

Hajichi is a form of traditional Ryukyuan (Okinawan) tattooing. These markings are done for women, by women as a right of passage and milestone marking typically on the hands and wrists. The exact meanings behind the markings are somewhat debated, but due to cultural erasure via colonization much of the literature documenting the history have been lost or destroyed. Japanese colonization and US military presence after WWII brought stigma and erasure to not just the tattoo tradition, but also the people and language of the Ryukyuan people. 

Modern day Ryukyuan women are working hard to keep this tradition alive, giving it new meaning and purpose, reclaiming our heritage and cultural identity.

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