The Unique Traffic Light of Himakajima Island
On the small Japanese island of Himakajima, there is a traffic light that stands out for its peculiar behavior: it remains flashing amber or red throughout the year, turning green only for one day in May. This unusual system is not a malfunction, but a deliberate initiative aimed at educating the island’s children about urban traffic signals.
An Educational Purpose
The traffic light was installed in 1994 at the intersection of Himakajima East Port. The island, home to approximately 2,000 residents, experiences limited vehicular traffic. Thus, the traffic light serves a unique purpose: to teach local children about the basics of traffic signals before they potentially move to larger cities where these systems are commonplace. The Himaka Road Safety Association, responsible for its installation, recognized that many local minors were growing up without direct experience with real traffic lights, which led to the decision to create this educational initiative.
Annual Learning Event
Each May, this singular traffic light is activated for a full day of learning. Students from the local school, particularly those in third and fifth grades, gather at the crossing with their teachers, parents, and local authorities. During this event, they practice the fundamentals of safe crossing: waiting for the light to change, looking both ways, and crossing the zebra path with their arms raised—a practice reminiscent of what they would do in any bustling Japanese city.
Facing Real Challenges
The exercise is not without its challenges. Participants soon realize that calculating the time to cross isn’t as easy as it appears. As one third-grade student noted, “It was complicated because it turned red when I was trying to cross.” This event not only teaches them how to navigate traffic but also instills important safety reflexes that would otherwise be unavailable in their normal day-to-day lives on the island.
A Curious Attraction for Tourists
The unique traffic light has attracted attention beyond the island’s shores. Each year, videos and photos of this extraordinary educational ritual circulate on social media. Tourists, intrigued by this unusual tradition, often check local government websites to find the exact date for “green day” to witness the event themselves. The specific date can vary slightly each year, adding an element of excitement.
Part of Himakajima’s Identity
Once the annual training concludes, the traffic light resumes its flashing routine, continuing its role as a non-functional traffic signal. Despite this, it has morphed into a symbol of the community’s commitment to preparing children for the wider urban world. When not focused on this annual event, Himakajima is known for its serene environment, picturesque beaches, and delicious octopus dishes — and, of course, a solitary traffic light counting down the days until it goes green again.
Cover image | Google Maps
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