Explain!! 😻😆
OK! Here it is:
The Japanese text (ネコ飛出し注意) translates to “Watch out for jumping cats” or more literally “Caution: Cats dashing out”.
It’s a local road sign sometimes put up in Japanese neighborhoods where there are many stray or outdoor cats. The flying-cat graphics are just a playful way to show that cats might suddenly run across the street, so drivers should slow down and be careful.
@skoombidoombis @streetartutopia TBH its likely you could legitimately buy one as in UK its possible to buy any road sign you want from facilities management supplies places to put in your private yard/car park and it would be surprising if it were not the same in Japan (alas, I don't know enough Japanese to research this).
Incidentally on the Japanese driving test you have to check under the car for cats (or small children) before starting to drive (as well as the mirror/shoulder checks in other countries) if you don't do this its a test failure!)
@skoombidoombis @streetartutopia
here is the original location of the sign - it appears to be a sign on private property rather than an official Council sign. The other red and white sign on the outbuilding reads "cat, it jumps out suddenly - please be careful!" (its not clear if that sign is a further warning to drivers, or to warn the birds 😺 )
@skoombidoombis @streetartutopia
There is another one in Kochi, with a single cat. It appears the local community may pay for the signs to be put up rather than the highway authorities (but they are made to the same standards as any other Japanese road sign).
The signs are available on Etsy and other places (search for "Japanese cat warning sign")
Street Art Utopia
Nicky🦨✌️
Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK