Are you a professional footballer? Are you thinking about getting an exotic-looking tattoo in Japanese or Chinese script? With this year’s World Cup players the most inked in history, it’s no wonder the players keep taking their shirts off to show off their skin. Today, we bring you a guide to getting inked as a World Cup footballer – or to be more accurate, a guide to what not to do.
Greek footballer Theofanis “Fanis” Gekas, who has been attracting online attention in Japan recently for his unusual Chinese(ish) tattoo, isn’t the only World Cup player with some not-entirely-accurate ink on his arms. Join us after the jump for photographic evidence of what your mother (should’ve) told you: “If you can’t read it, don’t get it permanently etched onto your skin.”

Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Man’s rejected proposal goes viral as he tries to turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
“Totoro” restaurant in non-touristy Tokyo serves up very green matcha ramen【Taste test】
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
“Totoro” restaurant in non-touristy Tokyo serves up very green matcha ramen【Taste test】
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
7-Eleven Japan now has two tiers of salmon rice balls, but is the new, cheaper one any good?【Taste test】
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Japanese city to deploy anti-bear drones against ursine adversaries, stages adorable demo【Vid】
Over half of Japanese students in nationwide test score zero percent in English speaking section
Sailor Moon’s Senshi team up with Hello Kitty and Sanrio for pajama party crossover merch line