Yotsuba Mark

Wakaba Mark

Having passed my Japanese driver's license test last summer, this bit of news caught my eye. First year drivers in Japan have to sport the "wakaba mark" on the front and back of the car. Drivers usually choose a magnetic mark or suction cup mark. Since we have multiple drivers in the family, the magnetic ones are the easiest to use.

Momiji Mark

Older drivers in Japan, those over the age of 70, are required to display the momiji mark, so other drivers can use caution around them. However, this mark's design was not very popular among the older generation.

Most recently, this 4-leaf clover designed by graphic designer Mikio Matsuyama, was chosen to replace the momiji mark from Feb. 1st, and is apparently a little more popular than the momiji mark among the older generation. You might notice there is an "S" placed in the center to signify, "Senior."

New Yotsuba Mark

I've always liked the design of both marks, and before coming to Japan always thought it would be cool to sport the wakaba mark on my car. Now that I live here however, it's just a pain in the ass to remember to put it on and take it off when I'm finished with the car. I know the US doesn't have a aged driver designation, but how about other countries? Do you think that older (and new) drivers are being discriminated against by having to display these marks?