Quick Take
- The signs look like cats falling from the sky, and the actual warning is something most drivers never see coming. See why cats inspired signs →
- When translated, the text beneath the flying cats adds an unexpected twist to an already bizarre sign. Read the translated warning →
- These signs aren't put up by anyone you'd expect, which changes everything about what they mean. Find out who posts them →
- Japan posts official signs for deer, bats, and raccoons, but cats are left out for some reason. See official vs. community signs →
Japan has a variety of signs depicting animals that cross major roadways throughout the country. From turtles to bats, deer, and raccoons, these animal signs are posted because the government wants both drivers and animals to be safe on roadways.
Cats are beloved in Japan, and they have a reputation for good luck, so it should come as no surprise that there are signs depicting them as well. However, with flying cat signs popping up across the country, drivers are doing a double-take and wondering what these signs mean.
Flying Cat Signs Serve as a Warning to Drivers
At first glance, a yellow street sign featuring multiple black cats with outstretched arms makes it seem as though Japan may be dealing with a highly unusual cats-falling-from-the-sky problem. Of course, this is not the case. The signs serve as a warning, and local communities are hoping the warning is heeded.
In different regions of Japan, large cat colonies exist. Over the years, many of these cats have been hit by cars. To combat this, signs have been popping up in different prefectures in the country, kindly and comically warning drivers to slow down.
A sign depicting flying cats in Japan is meant to slow drivers down, warning that cats may dart into the road.
©Japan Travel Dan / Instagram – Original
Some of the known locations of the flying cat signs include:
- Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture
- Namikawa, Inocho, Agawagun, Kochi Prefecture
- Ino, Kochi Prefecture
While cats may not be flying through the air, they can easily run in front of cars before drivers even know what happened. By slowing down, fewer cats will be injured or killed in the communities where they are loved.
What Do the Signs Say?
Not surprisingly, the strange image of flying cats has been catching drivers’ attention when traveling through different territories of Japan. The language underneath just adds another layer of joy to the whimsical yet important signpost.
When translated, the signs state, “Watch out for jumping cats.”
©Street Art Utopia / Facebook – Original
When translated, the sign with flying cats can have several meanings. The first is “Watch out for jumping cats.” Another is, “Caution: Cats may run out.”
When startled, it is not uncommon for a cat to run into the street without looking. The hope is that by erecting these signs, drivers will be more cognizant of their surroundings and slow down, protecting the cats and drivers alike.
Signs Are Not Installed by the Japanese Government
Typically, road signs are installed by the government, be it local or central. However, the cat warning signs that are popping up around Japan are installed by local residents instead.
The Japanese government does install animal warning crossing signs, just not for cats.
©Khun Ta/Shutterstock.com
Unlike warning signs posted by the government, such as those for deer or children, the signs reminding drivers to slow down for cats are put up by community residents. Because cats are beloved by their communities, local citizens and even HOAs have taken it upon themselves to save cats from being struck by vehicles.
The signs depicting flying cats may be comical, but they serve as a reminder to slow down. In these areas, cats are seen as precious creatures whose lives are worth being saved.
