“Seriously, the person who came up with this idea is genius.”
With the above caption, Gucchi (@atgucchi) tweeted photos she took at Kuwana station in Mie prefecture. From the first photo, you can see some letters on the floor.

But if you look at this sign from a different angle…



In fact, it is a 3D sign using the optical illusion.
Apparently, these types of signs have been used in some other stations with different designs such as an arrow shaped sign shown in this photo.
Perhaps, this may be familiar if you ever watched a soccer game, and depending on the angles the ads will pop up on the field like this.
This is really a great idea to implement in stations as this will allow you to read the signs even when you can’t see the ticket gates themselves.
Take a look at this other unique sign.

Taking the opportunity of the first renovation in 50 years, it seems that they implemented these unique signs to upgrade the station.
There was much feedback about these unique signs.
"How brilliant to incorporate Trompe-I’oeil for signs!"
"It gives you an optical illusion as if you can go faster if walking on the arrow sign!"
"I think I’d walk around it, subconsciously trying to avoid bumping into it."
The station is filled with many unique ideas for the convenience of its customers. With their effort, I bet there will be no one getting lost in the station anymore.
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- External Link
- https://grapee.jp/en/
13 Comments
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Jtsnose
Beautiful trompe l'oeil . . . .
Pukey2
Yes, less of these stupid tabloid magazine ads, and put a railway map above each door. More often that not, they put these maps at every other door.
PerformingMonkey
Love me some anamorphosis.
kiwiboy
They're great until rush-hour when there'll be so many people walking over them they'll be impossible to read. They also look silly from the wrong angles.
They could paint these 3D looking signs on 2D signposts that hang above the crowds and can only be seen by people for who they'll display correctly.
Or, just stick with normal signs but make it clearer, and in some cases get more of it.
Try walking from the depths of Osaka Station to Yodobashi Camera (not just a shop, but a huge landmark and place to get your bearings). It's not written on any signs. Or JR Osaka Station to Hankyu. Tokyo signage is much better, but Osaka needs to up their game.
factchecker
Unique signs in railway stations.
Sven Asai
It is probably mostly confusing and a disgrace for the majority of bypassing people, those who are not affected or stand / walk in a slightly false angle to that garbage.
Carl N Jpn Gcjp
Great idea!! This could be a real help to everyone including foreigners like Me :)
Mo Reed
Beautifully done!
Desert Tortoise
3D sidewalk art has been around for a while now.
https://www.demilked.com/3d-sidewalk-chalk-art/