A Unique Sight in Japan
If you visit Japan, you might notice a charming and unique scene: young children raising one hand while crossing the street. This simple gesture is more than just a cute habit—it’s part of Japan’s traffic safety culture.
Because children are small and harder for drivers to notice, they are taught from an early age to raise their hand high when crossing the street. This makes them more visible to cars and helps ensure their safety.
Taught from a Young Age
In Japan, traffic safety education begins early. Elementary schools and even kindergartens often teach children how to cross streets safely. Raising a hand is one of the first lessons, and many kids practice it daily on their way to school.
Do Adults Do It Too?
Interestingly, this habit is something that most Japanese people grow out of. Adults rarely raise their hands when crossing the street. Some might still do it if they want to make sure a driver sees them, but for the most part, it’s considered a “childhood habit.”
For many visitors, seeing small children smiling and raising their hands at crosswalks can feel both practical and heartwarming—an everyday glimpse of Japanese culture.
A Reflection of Japanese Safety Culture
This custom reflects the broader culture of safety and consideration in Japan. From early education to community rules, small actions like this help make Japan one of the safest countries in the world for pedestrians, even for children walking to school alone.
