Posters & Signs

One of the things that fascinates me to no end in a foreign country is the local variety of posters and signs. Not only are they unique to the local communities, but they are also harbingers and contact points of their cultures. By asking the 'right' questions and just being generally socially observant, I can often gleam much information about local practices, observances and norms from these printed 'signposts'. In addition, the other (more subtle) benefit of being aware of their presences is that they can also act as crucial landmarks (since they are designed to stand out), especially when I'm trying to find my way around a new place.

Here are my photos of some of Japan's posters and signs:

 Hehe, let's start with one of my all-time favourites. The Japanese find it hard to differentiate between the "L" and "R" sounds, and the "B" and "V" sounds. Hence, I'd often hear my Japanese friends say, "reary" instead of "really". The above photo depicts one such example, with amusing connotations.

 The next three photos were taken in trains and captured one of Japan's cultural norms: consideration of others. Take the above one for example: 1) the left side of the sign essentially encourages passengers to not take up more seat space than needed, and 2) the right side tells people to consider the effect their smoke has on others.

 Continuing the theme of showing consideration for others: 1) the left side of the sign warns people against imposing on others' space when reading on the train, and 2) the right side shows how other passengers do not appreciate smoking in their vicinity.

 And for the last sign: 1) the left side tells passengers to be aware of and not take up the priority seats, and 2) the right side challenges people to think for themselves, especially in not finding an excuse to litter.

 A cute sign at a local TGIF advertising Hershey's Kisses.

 Defacing public property is not considered an artform in Japan; it is a crime!

 A poster telling people not to use violence when on trains or in train stations.

One of the more curious signs found in a local university cafeteria prohibiting people from reserving seats at tables before they made their purchases. The sumo wrestler motif refers to the fact that contestants are meant to hold their ground/space in sumo wrestling.

 Well, enough said.

 Good to know, especially for my planning future visits to Japan. Lol.

 A poster asking people to turn off the sounds on their devices when travelling on public transport.

 Another sign depicting 'Jap-grish' (Japan-English).

 The use of anime characters to get a point across: leave the priority seats to those that need them.

 Haha, found this in a men's toilet. I presume it's asking us to 'aim' properly.

 A cute sign found in the toilet of a local 'conbini' (i.e. convenience store) politely asking patrons to close the door behind them.

A no jay-walking sign that acted as a landmark for me. XD