Funny and Quirky English signs in Japan
One of the interesting things I find with travelling is the way each country would express and translate something into English. This applies for both English-speaking and non-English speaking countries. However, the more profound differences are obviously seen and heard with non-English speaking countries who strive to make themselves become more “international” and tourist-friendly. Japan is one typical country that has been using English in a rather interesting way. They seem to be using English for fashion purposes, and you’d see English text on clothing or plastic product designs that would not make much sense at all, but the Japanese all find them cool! I have to say that I do appreciate that they are trying their utmost best to cater for the wider international community, however, being a somewhat-native English speaker, you can’t help but make fun of how they put up their signs in English! Here are some examples of what I found on my trip to Japan last year:
1.) This sign was taken from the outside of the pharmacy/souvenir shop of the Sheraton hotel in Osaka
Oh yes, I do hope they’re all legal!
2.) I found this while looking for a toilet in the town of Himeji
Thanks for reminding, but I don’t think anyone will ever hesitate if they’re really busting to go!
3.) I bought some ready-packed sushi from a convenience store in Kyoto one night, and I found this on the toothpick pack
OK, I never realised that toothpicks in Japan can attack you the minute you open them!
4.) These two signs are probably not that funny, but I thought they could use some editing:
There is a collection of funny english signs around the world on the website http://www.engrish.com. You’d be amused with the collection from this website. I found that China has now taken the lead in terms of the number of posts on this site! With that, I’ll leave you with this photo I took of an anime figure outside a restaurant in Gion, Kyoto. I thought this looks really funny!
Til the next Fabulous Journey!
