Himakajima island features unique annual traffic light ritual

On the small island of Himakajima, located in Mikawa Bay near Nagoya, a unique traffic light serves a highly specific purpose. Installed in 1994 at Kodochi, the signal does not function as a standard traffic regulator for the island's small population of approximately 1,600 residents.

For most of the year, the light operates in a standby mode, featuring a flashing red light to act as a stop sign for fishing carts and a flashing yellow light to encourage cyclists and scooter riders to slow down. The signal only cycles through its full red, yellow, and green sequence once a year during a spring civic education and road safety practical lesson organized by the island's sole primary school.