Government begins study into tattoo bans in public baths soranews24.com

On 23 June the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) announced that it would be conducting a first-of-its-kind study into public bathing facilities such as onsen (hot springs) and sento (bath houses), and their rules regarding tattoos.
Although there is no law specifically regarding tattoos in public bathing spaces, there is legislation such as a provision in the Ryokan Gyoho (Hotel Business Law).
This states that an establishment can refuse service if they feel that a customer may perform acts which are illegal or against public morals.
Since for a time tattoos in Japan were largely the mark of organized crime members, it would be enough to establish a risk.
Since yakuza tattoos tended to be large and intricate, this would help separate the mildly rebellious from the violently rebellious.