Reminders on the train

Sometimes signage can be a reminder of socially appropriate behavior, like posting an exhortation in the cafeteria to not go back for seconds before everyone has been through the first time.*

The upper item in this sign on the Keio New Line train reminds riders of a rule and the middle one - "hold your baggage" - is a simple directive. But the third item (click image for a larger view) appeals directly to one's sense of social responsibility. From what I saw, that works as well or better than the common U.S. practice of citing a piece of legislation theoretically compelling you to do the right thing.

Another way to be effective is to make the message crystal clear. Look way down at the end of the car in the photo above and you'll see a yellow sign beside the passageway door. What behavior, do you suppose, is unsuitable in that section of the train? (See below, and note the handholds, too.)

One more interesting train-related sign: Where to queue up to board the train is clearly marked on station platforms. I like to ride in the end cars, so initially I waited at the last point on the platform. Surprise! When the train pulled in, clearly marked on the outside of the last car window was "This car for women only." I missed snapping a photo because I was scrambling down the platform to the next car.

 * See also Daniel Pink's take on emotionally intelligent signage.

More distinctive signage

The variety in Japanese signage, combined with the assumption that the brain will be engaged when interpretting the signage, is quite refreshing. Is there any question about the message behind this sign painted on a narrow sidewalk? Note the dual exclamation points. 

Not much ambiguity here about what lies ahead, either. Whoo whoo!

Occassionally, such as amidst this variety of traffic cones and native Japanese signage, a familiar symbol comes into view. Rather frequently, in fact. Starbucks ho!

Crosswalks are an interesting phenomenon in Tokyo. Where traffic is fairly constant and heavy, walk/don't walk signs often provide audio signals for pedestrians as well. At one corner with a traffic light, a traditional sounding folk melody played while the pedestrian signal allowed crossing in one direction. When the light switched, the music and genre switched just as completely - to "Comin' Through the Rye!"

In the middle of the block in this outlying area, though, I came across something you won't find in major U.S. cities. Any idea what these yellow flags are for? I didn't actually see them in use, but here's my hypothesis: Rather than rely on signs that tell motorists they have to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk, a pedestrian simply picks up a flag from the tin on one side of the street, holds it aloft while in the crosswalk, and deposits it in the tin on the other side of the street. A simple attention getting device, but also a reminder to said pedestrian that he or she has a responsibility when crossing, too. Speaking of which, I didn't see any empty tins.

High-tech, low volume parking

In manufacturing these days the phrase "high mix, low volume" is being bantered about pretty freely. The question is how to stay competitive and increased application of technology is frequently part of the answer. This is an answer the Japanese have not hesitated to apply in many areas, including the administration of parking lots.

As an aside, I was surprised by the amount of motor vehicle traffic in Japan. Maybe last time (10 years ago) I didn't get out on the highway system. But this time we were bused from place to place and there was always traffic, and of course, that means a need for parking, too.

These photos show a four-space off-street lot in Tokyo with a pretty high-tech access control system. The control box into which the driver inserts a credit card (middle photo) is connected to a pivoting plate in each space (bottom photo) that keeps the car in place until appropriate payment is made.

Not quite as brutal as the one-way, check-valve-like tire-puncturing devices one sees at the entrances to U.S. auto rental lots, but still serious about restraining vehicle movement. Trust me, when that plate is in the up position, the car isn't going anywhere. And remember - all this elaborate setup is for four spaces. I shudder to think was the rates must be.