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.
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