You know there are often times some signs and postings that are just humorous to see, even if unintentionally so. Often times I wonder if it is only I who finds these funny, maybe it’s just my stupid sense of humor. Japan is an amazing place, and it has such an amazing culture. However often times there are things there that either maybe don’t translate or possibly shouldn’t be translated.
Some of the amusing or odd signs from the Japanese capital of Tokyo.
Beware of children leaping out the water and scaring you…
Is shutting up the taste of beef good? Heck none of this makes any sense whatsoever.
I have no idea what this sign is about, but I find it unlikely that there is a need for a dog urinating…
I’m confident this is why tourists are afraid of visiting onsens. I have no idea what any of this means…
Why is this strange? Context is important perhaps, it was above the urinal in the store’s bathroom. I have no idea why and yes I took photos in the bathroom…
These several couple signs are from the island of Miyajima that is off the coast of Hiroshima. Miyajima is most famous for their floating torii gate at the Itsukushima Shrine.
Are you sure it’s not the deer that should be afraid of the children?
At least they are honest about the scenery?
A warning sign from the Gondola. Now this isn’t a funny sign right away, but I had the feeling that they are hiding some important information from the non-Japanese readers
Stupid AFO graduate…
As one of my friend’s described it, “Please don’t Americanize the monkeys”.
These are just a sample 10 images from the last several trips, I hope others found these humorous as well. If people are curious I can try to poke around and find a few more as well (and maybe some from other countries too).
In case you were still curious, on the rope way sign they haven’t translated point #2, not point #3. Point #2 on the Japanese says “Please don’t be a nuisance to other passengers.” I guess it was too hard to translate and they didn’t bother. Or they expect gaijin to ignore it. Who knows.
I forgot to add that I have my own funny one from when I was in Japan about twenty years ago. I saw someone on the subway with a carrier bag with the following written on it:
“I like elephant family. Their humming makes me happy.”
Andrew Graeme Gould´s last [type] ..Santiago, Chile: Photo of the day
Ahh there are some hilarious bags and shirts there too. I wasn’t sure how appropriate it would have been trying to take photographs of those.
These are just so funny — especially with your added comments, Anwar! My favourite sign for the text is the red one about the beef! And I couldn’t stop laughing over your comments on the one with the little blue dog and the gondola sign! That last one is a bit of a worry! Someone needs to translate point 3 in Japanese for us, or we’ll remain eternally curious.
Andrew Graeme Gould´s last [type] ..Santiago, Chile: Photo of the day
Yes I need to ask one of my friends who speak Japanese what it says. I just always forget to do so. The beef one is hilarious, i still wish I knew what it meant….
That’s so funny!
Emma’s Bucket List´s last [type] ..10 Reasons why Latitude Festival is Top of My Festival Bucket List for 2012
I love taking photos of signs around the world when I travel. it is sometimes amusing, often insightful, and generally good memory of a place.
Those really are funny!
Jessica´s last [type] ..A Few Surprises Here and There
I will need to dig through more photos and see what else I have perhaps.
LOOOOOOve the monkey signs!
Denise´s last [type] ..Oh Vienna, how could you do this to me?
Haha, yes those are among my favorites!
The sign aspect of Japan was one of our favorite parts, too! So funny, and yet so cute at the same time as the Japanese are some of the most adorable people I’ve ever met.
Camels & Chocolate´s last [type] ..Best of Photo Fridays
Haha, glad you liked the signs there too and your time in Japan. It is just such an amazing country overall.
LOVE this! I was amazed and amused at some of the zany signs that are posted everywhere in Tokyo. Coincidentally, I’m in the process of preparing my own Funny Signs post. It will be up soon. Curious to hear your reaction! (Great blog, btw).
Awesome, I look forward to reading your post as well!
Ha ha… these are great. Shut up the Beef is my favorite.
haha. yeah that is one of my favorites.