It seems like everything in Japan, even the most mundane public service, needs a cartoon mascot to get a message across. I’ve posted a few pictures of this kind of stuff in my Picasa albums, but here are the highlights.
1) Tanemaru – Commemorating the the 150th anniversary of a city’s port requires some serious celebration, so that’s why Yokohama asked Tanemaru to help out. This little guy (is he a sprouting potato? a bean plant? a boat? all three?) is everywhere in Yokohama- on countless city signs and in furry-animal form on shop and hotel counters.
2) The “watch-your-fingers” subway bear – This friendly little bear cub warns against getting your fingers trapped in closing doors. (Yokohama)
3) Mr. and Mrs. “Don’t take your spouse’s eyes out with a fish-hook” – while not cute at all, this sign’s graphical aid really drives home the point. (Sankeien Garden, near Yokohama)
4) Blue-Hat Bird – I’m not sure what this bird is saying, but it must be important, judging by the exclamation mark. (also in Sankeien Park, near Yokohama)
5) Subway Badgers (?) – Similar to the bear in Yokohama, these furry mammals also bring a cautionary message.
6) Fat Trash-Buddies – seriously, how could you not listen to what they have to say? (first, on bus-shelter trashcan, then in a bathroom- Kyoto)
…. that’s all for now, but there will be more to come, I’m sure.
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These are adorable, except for the fish-hook couple. It looks like the blue-hat bird is saying, "This is a wildlife protection area: please protect the birds and beasts!"
ReplyDeleteseriously, I have been thinking about Mr. and Mrs. "don't take your spouse's eyes out with a fish hook" for the last 24 hours and giggling hysterically. Hilarious.
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