Not the same kind of tattoo question

Alright, heres the back story: I've been interested in Asian Culture and language since I was around 10 or 11. I've studied Japanese for about 4 years on and off, and toured around Japan in March for two weeks. I'm now a few months away from being 18, and I think Japan and its culture has been a big enough part of my life to maybe get a tattoo with some piece of Japan included in it. I'm not looking for Katakana or Kanji, because if I choose one from a tattoo shop it probably isn't really what it says it is, and getting Japanese characters on me would be like getting letters tattoo'd on me, so theres no point. I'm looking for some way to mix a symbol of Canada and Japan in a tattoo. any suggestions? I'm sorta looking for something original that you usually don't see in tattoos. I know I have to decide because its going to be with me forever; but I'm looking for suggestions to sorta open my mind a bit if you know what I mean.

All suggestions are appreciated. I know I didn't really set any guide lines, but I'll know what I like and don't like when I see it.

I also know of the problem with tattoos and onsens; from what I've read I dont need to be too concerned about it because I'm a foreigner, and its not going to be a sleeve or full body tattoo. Input on this is also appreciated.

Thanks a lot for your suggestions and input!

P.S I'm a guy.

I think Japan and its culture has been a big enough part of my life to maybe get a tattoo with some piece of Japan included in it.

Apparently you're very foreign, but you say so yourself.

How about combining flags, national flowers, national animals, etc. Or what was it that triggered you to be interested in Japanese culture? Or what are your favorite places in each country. Maybe you can combine things related to that. Canada and Japan are both a diverse country. Try to combine things you know well about. Not something you "imagine" to be Japanese or Canadian.

I hope you come up with something really cool-looking!

samurai playing hockey?
koi swimming up niagara falls?
canadian landscape in japanese style?
jean chretien as emperor of canada?

I also know of the problem with tattoos and onsens; from what I've read I dont need to be too concerned about it because I'm a foreigner, and its not going to be a sleeve or full body tattoo. Input on this is also appreciated.

I just realized I had read this part incorrectly. All people foreign and local are basically treated equally on this: that is, if the regulations are strict, anyone with the smallest tattoo will be asked to leave, and if the regulations are loose, all are tolerated as long as you don't cause trouble. If there is any difference between foreigners and locals, I'm afraid that foreigners have the disadvantage as far as bath/gym tattoo regulations are concerned. The main eason tattoos are banned is because they often scare other users, and people are usually more scared of those you don't know well.

If you're going to get a tattoo, be sure you know that there are plenty of risks, and be sure you won't be sorry after you get the tattoo. Tattoos are a symbol of devotion.

Terminator, great suggestions. How about a Mountie wrestling a Sumo?
A Geisha drinking syrup?

Uco san is correct- being a foreigner will not excuse you from the "no tattoos" rule at onsens, gyms and swimming pools.

I know from my own experience that a tiny tattoo in an inconspicuous place is usually not a problem, but if it is at all noticeable then you could quite likely be asked to leave, even if it's not a sleeve or a full body tattoo. You might not be, but you would be taking the risk.

: I also know of the problem with tattoos and onsens; from what I've read I dont need to be too concerned about it because I'm a foreigner

Whether you'll be in a hot spring, on a street, or sharing the same time and place with your Japanese friends (or maybe lover), your tattoo may make bad impression on Japanese persons around you mainly because that's a tattoo.
Unless you are very careful about the design, looking a foreign person may make them worried the more, NOT because of unreasonable prejudices against foreigners but because they may assume you to be a stranger without enough knowledge.

As one of such Japanese persons, I'm confusing about, or I should say I wonder, "Why is that a tattoo?"
Your idea of mixing symbols of Canada and Japan sounds nice but, I presume having a tattoo is not the only way, at least not the best way to represent your affection for Japan and love for Canada.

I suppose a tattoo can be placed in a category composed of abnormal and/or uncommon aspects of Japanese cultures.
In Japanese movies and dramas, (leaving aside whether the costumes there are historically correct,) a tattoo is, for example, a way for gangsters to demonstrate potential forces, and devotion expressed by a tattoo may be that for their own faith or for their boss, can not be that for the public or that for the peoples in general.

While I'm not sure what you mean by the title "Not the same kind of tattoo question," this post from you reminds me of an episode in a long Japanese essay written in the 14th century, which is closed with the author's comment saying it's desirable to have a person to guide even in (doing) just a little thing.
Like you've said "Japan and its culture has been a big enough part of my life," learning English language was a notable part of my childhood I think, nevertheless I know there must be many, many things left beyond my scope of knowledge as to cultures related to English, i.e. cultures which can be seen here and there.
You are young. I recommend you keeping yourself modest to broaden your scope, to have a keen eye for truth.

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