Yukio Ota is a legendary graphic designer in Japan. As the creator of the green “running man” pictogram that features on the nation’s emergency exit signs which have since spread to Europe, Canada and the Asia-Pacific, Ota is a frontrunner when it comes to developing images that convey a thousand words.
Now the designer of the exit sign is making headlines for his long-term project that aims to have the world using a universal language by 2065. Called the Lovers’ Communication System, or LoCoS, the standardised system based on pictographs has the power to overcome language barriers and revolutionise the world of communication as we know it.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Tokyo’s downtown Chuo Line now has first-class Green Car carriages for no additional cost to ride
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Tokyo’s downtown Chuo Line now has first-class Green Car carriages for no additional cost to ride
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Convenience store fried chicken going into school lunches in Japan for Family Mart anniversary
Android app allegedly allows users to find and hire muscle to beat up whomever they want
Tokyo hairstylist performs makeover magic in amazing before/after haircut video
Japanese son handmakes Buddhist altar for deceased mother out of deeply touching materials
Is Japan’s new Asahi Super Dry beer better or worse than the original formula?
Japanese Internet sad to see the word “chikan” becoming commonly used in English
Does Japan’s T.M. Revolution J-rock cake really look like the song it’s named after?