# Ornamental Traffic Lights Japanese Lantern Signal Adds Aesthetic Flair to Essential Infrastructure By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-04-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-lantern-signal References: [likecool](http://www.likecool.com/Japanese_Lantern_Signal--Other--Gear.html) & [thinkupstudio.tumblr](http://thinkupstudio.tumblr.com/post/47601808055/raccaryusui-goes54667752-japanese-lantern) I wish I new the story behind the Japanese Lantern Signal; but alas, the Think Up Studio provides no background. What is clear is that -- while they may not be quite as durable as the usual crosswalk lights -- they would do a wonderful job of brightening up [busy streets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-pro). Cantilevered from the lamppost at an intersection is a stiff metal arm. Suspended from this is the set of [decorative paper lampshades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-a-light) that traditionally have a festive and ceremonial sense about them. The top one features red material and the bottom is made in green. The Japanese Lantern Signal would illuminate the upper light to instruct pedestrians to stop, and the lower light to say that it's safe to cross the road. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ornamental Traffic Lights:** Enhancing essential infrastructure by adding aesthetic flair through decorative traffic lights. ### Who This Affects Most - **Urban Design:** Opportunity to incorporate artistic elements into urban infrastructure, creating visually appealing cityscapes. - **Architectural Lighting:** Demand for innovative lighting solutions that combine functionality with aesthetic design in public spaces. - **Transportation:** Integration of decorative traffic lights to improve pedestrian safety and enhance the overall commuting experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Traffic Light-Inspired Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-light-bench.md) - [Pedestrian-Detecting Crosswalks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pedestrian-crosswalk.md) - [Japanese Lantern-Inspired Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/madco.md) - [Lantern-Dangling Steakhouse Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aragawa.md) - [Lantern-Inspired Wall Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hashira-wall-lamp.md) - [Pear-Shaped Outdoor Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-lamp1.md) - [IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-beacon-concept.md) - [Honeycomb-Like Sculptural Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tri-light.md) - [Modernized Lantern Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambientec-madco.md)