Some rather peculiar, sticker-altered street signs have been popping up in Osaka or Kyoto over the last month. The eye-catching addendums are the work of French guerrilla artist Clet Abraham, who has done similar projects around the globe. While local residents are largely bemused, the police are not at all amused and are investigating whether charges can be filed.
Abraham says his work plays on the idea that street signs are a symbol of authority. His stickers poke fun at how we unquestioningly follow that authority by making viewers take note of signs that usually blend into the background. He says his work makes people more observant.
When questioned by police, he freely admits to placing the stickers, though he adds that the stickers are designed not to interfere with the function of the street signs.
If Abraham does face legal consequences for the work, it won’t be the first time. He has faced fines in Europe before for similar projects.
ヤバイ！梅田にリアル道路標識アート！
— mekie 〔めぎー〕 (@yg_gem8) January 4, 2015
めっちゃ可愛い( ^ω^ )#クレ・アブラハム#道路標識アート pic.twitter.com/pHRlyWfS3G
https://twitter.com/AngieBlackmore/status/551356748259266560 https://twitter.com/mai_houzuki/status/554929379252240385今日京都で見つけた一通の道路標識がおもろかった笑 pic.twitter.com/yxXRVuox3h
— 西垣 大樹 (@GakkyDaidai) January 3, 2015
What do you think, Rocketeers? Is this art or a public nuisance? Tell us in the comments!
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Pokémon Company to require Japanese government ID cards for some online Pokémon card purchases
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
McDonald’s Japan adds curry French fry flavor, regional-taste burgers to its menu with Gotochi Mac
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino