Japan uses blue traffic lights instead of green and there's a complicated reason why

Despite being a constant variable on roads all around the world, Japan ditched the green ‘go’ color in favor of blue traffic lights – and there’s a complicated reason why.

Green means go and red means stop, right?

Universally, if you see a green light, it means that you can continue driving without interruption, and if it changes to red, you need to come to a halt.

But in Japan, this isn’t the case, as blue traffic lights have emerged, which might confuse tourists, but are completely understandable if you live there.

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Why does Japan have blue traffic lights?

Japan has a rich car culture. From supercars lining the streets of Tokyo to underground clubs of JDMs and drifting kings, to tiny Kei cars, there’s so much that differs from the rest of the world.

But one of the biggest changes is its blue traffic lights, which can only be found in Japan.

So, why is this a thing?

Well, it all started in 1968 when the Convention of Road Signs and Signals at the United Nations treaty declared that all traffic lights should be red and green for stop and go, respectively.

That all seems black and white to English speakers.

But for Japanese natives, the word ‘ao’ was used for both blue and green in the ’60s, and the authorities didn’t know which to use.

Lo and behold, a blue-green light was made instead.

Since 1979, these blue traffic lights have been used on all roads in Japan.

Even though a new word for green has been made (‘midori’), the blue traffic lights have persisted.

Japan continues to stand on its own in the automotive world

Japan is unforgiving in its differences in car culture, proud of its heritage and prominence.

Even with its reputation for harboring a street racing scene, the Japanese cops have found ways of combating it: even faster police cars.

But when everyone comes together to celebrate Japanese car culture, it becomes one of the greatest showcases across the globe.

Having stood firm with its blue traffic lights for over 50 years, it’s safe to say that this is just one indication of how Japan stands on its own four wheels when it comes to car culture.

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