This Is Why Japan Use Blue Traffic Lights Instead Of Green

Hello dear Foxxstars, where we'll be talking about one of Japan's unique features – green traffic lights!

You may have heard that Japan's traffic lights use a green shade that looks more like turquoise or aqua, instead of the standard green used in most countries. But why is that? Let's explore some reasons why Japan made this change

First, it's important to understand that Japan's language has a word for blue and green, but they share the same word, “ao.” So, for a long time, Japanese people perceived the traffic lights as blue rather than green. As a result, there were many accidents where drivers misunderstood the color of the signal, leading to a potential threat on the road.

In the early 2000s, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation conducted a study that showed a majority of Japanese people thought the green traffic light was “ao” or blue, instead of green. The research further revealed that the concept of “ao” included not just blue, but green shades as well.

Taking into consideration this language peculiarity and to avoid potential confusion on the roads, Japan decided to make the change to the traffic light colors to address the concerns of the public. The new green signal uses a bluer tint that helps differentiate it from the other color spectrum.

Japan isn't the only country with different shades of green for their traffic signals. China also uses a blueish-green color for its traffic lights, as well as South Korea and Vietnam. But Japan's traffic signals are undoubtedly unique in their design, attracting tourists from around the world who want to see them for themselves.

The quirky decision to have different colored traffic lights goes to show the thought and care Japan puts into even the most minor aspects of their infrastructure to maintain the safety of the citizens.


In conclusion, the green traffic lights in Japan may be an unusual sight, but their reasoning is solid. With the new shade of green, Japan was able to overcome any language barriers and reduce potential traffic accidents. As a traveler or someone curious about Japan, make sure to pay attention to these fascinating traffic signals.

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