Article Marketing / Communications 1 min read

Turning Temporary Tattoos Into Allergy Warnings

A Japanese restaurant association is using temporary tattoos to warn tourists about the potential dangers of soba-noodle allergies. Even if you’re allergic, at least you get a cool tattoo out of the process.

Ernie Smith

May 13, 2016

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Who knew a tattoo could save your life?

At least, it can in Japan, where life-threatening allergic reactions to the country’s popular soba noodles, which are made from buckweat, have caught some tourists, and even locals, off guard.

Obviously, that’s a huge problem. Fortunately, the 230 Soba Street Promotion Association is on top of it  (opens in a new tab). The local restaurant group, which represents soba shops on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, has launched a clever campaign that uses temporary tattoos not only to promote local culture through cool artwork (based on the traditional ukiyoe style) but also to help determine whether people have a soba allergy.

Here’s how: The tattoo is applied to the skin using soba water. The tattoo creates small cuts in the skin, exposing users to a small amount of the allergen. That allergen causes a reaction in people sensitive to soba, and parts of the tattoo turn red within about 15 minutes if a person is allergic. That may disappoint those interested in trying soba, but, at the very least, it makes the tattoos more visually appealing.

“Many people are unaware they have a soba allergy, so the sticker is a good way to prevent allergic reactions,” a spokewoman for the association told The Japan Times  (opens in a new tab).

If you aren’t allergic to soba or have no plans to visit Japan anytime soon, you can still enjoy the artwork. Check out these examples:

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