Brilliance Beyond Borders: Japan's Unique Inventions

7. Lights with a blue tint

What Is It? Blue Denotes Movement

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Driving in Japan can be a daunting experience, not just due to the bustling traffic but also because of the unique road regulations that differ from those in many other countries. One notable distinction is the color of traffic lights. In Japan, the traffic light transitions from green to blue when it's time for vehicles to proceed. This shift can be surprising for those unfamiliar with the system, as the use of blue instead of green is a common practice that emphasizes movement.

 

Source: Turukete's Blue Traffic Lights on Pinterest

Interestingly, the use of blue traffic lights in Japan can be traced back to the evolution of the Japanese language. Historically, the language recognized only four primary colors, leading to the use of the term "blue" to describe what many would consider green. This linguistic nuance extends beyond just traffic lights; various objects that are typically green in other cultures are also referred to as blue in Japan.

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