Hajichi

[1][2] The term comes from Okinawan hajichi, literally "needle thrusting", in turn from Proto-Ryukyuan *pazuki < *pari-tuki (tone class C).

Cognates in other Ryukyuan languages include Miyako (Tarama dialect) paitsïki and Yonaguni hadichi.

[6] The ban was mainly to crack down on indigenous Ryukyuan culture because it was deemed "primitive" by ethnic Yamato people.

Nonetheless the practise became less and less common over time and by the 1950s most young women in Okinawa rejected getting the traditional tattoos.

[4] Some people, concerned about the professional ramifications of permanent tattoos on their hands, turned to temporary Hajichi made using fruit-based inks.