Why Japan Has Blue Traffic Lights Instead of Green
7 hours ago
- #Linguistics
- #Japan
- #Traffic Lights
- Japan's traffic lights appear blue-green due to linguistic and cultural reasons.
- The Japanese language historically used 'ao' for both blue and green.
- A U.N. treaty (1968) standardized traffic signals, requiring green for 'go.'
- Japan compromised by using a blue-green color ('grue' or 'bleen') in the 1970s.
- Modern Japanese distinguishes 'midori' (green) and 'ao' (blue), but cultural habits persist.
- Objects like green apples are still called 'aoringo' (blue apple).
- Traffic lights were officially labeled 'ao' post-WWII, despite being green.
- Japan also uses unique hand-painted traffic signs to reduce accidents.