Japanese Nostalgic Car

As we reported last October, the Japanese government is changing the time-honored Koreisha Mark. Problem was, senior citizens deemed the current design — a teardrop shaped leaf in fall colors (center) — rather insulting and complained to the National Police Agency, who oversees driving symbols.

Apparently, the elderly did not like to be reminded of their impending mortality. However, even when the autumn leaf is replaced, the Wakaba Mark for beginning drivers will still remain a green and yellow spring leaf.

The four Koreisha Mark finalists are, starting from the top left:

• A four-leaf clover with a stylized “S” for senior
• Circles of various colors, symbolizing the many years lived by our elders
• A bird, heart, and hand combined into one symbol
• Palms symbolizing a harvest of rice

What does this mean for the JNC logo? Nothing, except that it’ll be even cooler to say that the leaf was the old school (well, 1997 old) elderly driver’s mark. Which design do you like the best?

[Asahi Shimbun] Hat tip to Satoshi,