After all this time we still get questions about the JNC logo. Specifically, the teardrop-shaped leaf in the upper right hand corner.
To explain, we must first describe the Wakaba Mark for beginning drivers. The Japanese government requires that new license holders display the green and yellow symbol on their cars during the first year of driving. In other words, it’s a blaring noob warning for seasoned roadgoers. Stateside, you’ve probably seen them fastened askance on tuned Civics and S13s.
So when we were coming up with ideas for the JNC logo, we chose to incorporate its counterpart, the Koreisha Mark, or elderly driver’s mark. After all, we were talking about old school cars! Display of this emblem is required when a driver reaches 75 years old, or age 70 if you have any conditions that may impair your driving.
Each mark comes in two styles: a suction cup type meant for the rear window, and a magnet type to stick on the hood. The Koreisha Mark has been in use since 1997, but recently the Japanese government has been considering a redesign.
As you may have noticed, the colors and shape of the Wakaba Mark connotes a blossoming spring leaf, while the Koreisha Mark represents a golden autumn leaf. It’s that latter part that has been met with criticism, as the idea of a dying leaf being used to brand the elderly seems a bit morbid, and the shape of falling tears just heaps on further unpleasantness.
So the government is now considering a redesign of the offending mark, even though public opinion appears split. A recent survey of drivers resulted in 51 percent saying that they liked the existing version, while 46 percent said they didn’t (3 percent ignored the question altogether).
Still, the National Police Agency began soliciting new designs last month. A change isn’t final yet, but a decision is expected by the end of the year.
Thanks to Toyotageek for the tip! [Source: Yahoo Japan News]
Personally I like the design of the old one and it would be a shame if it disappeared! It is very subtle IMO (compare that to what they use in other countries 😉 ) and it is also consistent with the blossoming spring leaf for the youth drivers.
Of course I’m not offended by it since I’m not an old leaf yet. 😛
A couple ideas:
Evergreen Tree. Implied: I’m never going to die and I’ll shed needles on everything that comes close. Added bonus: Add little garland and ornament stickers for Christmas theme.
Redwood Tree. Implied: I’ll never die unless some logger cuts me down to make 2x4s for cheap houses out of me.
Tortoise. Implied: I’m going to be around for 150+ years, and it may take me most of those 150 years to get out of your way.
Or:
American Blue Placard With White Wheel Chair. Implied: I got my doctor to write a note for one of these so I can park up close to the front of the store while all you mere mortals have to hike from the far corner of the parking lot, I hope you brought water and food for your hike because I’ll be in and out and gone by the time you make it to the front door of the store.
Oyaji – 😆
say it ain’t so! :'(
If the Japanese are really so crazy about the American ways, then all the old people should get a sticker of a hand flippin the bird!
Bert – better than those damn shocker stickers.
They’ll have to pry my koreisha mark from my cold, dead hands! (which, considering my age, won’t be long.)
Sounds like they didn’t even consider the fact that we might have to redesign our logo if they do that…so inconsiderate!
Haha.. I’m keeping mine! Unless the Japanese Government wants to send me a replacement!
Ditto, zeto. If it does change ours will be even rarer 🙂