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Signboards (Yusuke)
Functions of Signboards (FINAL)
INTRODUCTION
“In noticing the existence of such a signboard, under some influence from there depicted designed, a person is considered to move to a specific action. Therefore, such a series of operations may be regarded as a “stimulus”→ “thinking”→”action”. For this reason, signboards can be considered as one system”-Masaki Koyama (Koyama, M., Takahashi, Y., & Shizuka, H. 2016, p.65)
A study conducted by Masaki Koyama, theorizes that specific signboards make people want to take a specific action. For example, a signboard that is trying to tell one a location of a store, will make a person consider going there since they have a better image of where it is located (Koyama, M., Takahashi, Y., & Shizuka, H. 2016, p.65).
Signboards in Nichome also act as a system. They act as a system to make people feel or want to act in a certain way that is specific to Nichome. Most of the signboards have a common theme that is related to the LGBTQ+ community which is unique to Nichome. Though the goals of the signboards itself is not too different from a normal area, but the way they make people feel is. Hence, it will be important to know the goals of the signboards in Nichome which acts as a system to make people want to act in a certain way.
The main goals of signboards seen in Nichome is; advertisement, job posting, giving messages, prompt safety precautions, and showing inclusivity.
Functions of Signboards
Advertisement
One of the goals of the signboards in general is advertisement. However, what makes the signboards in Nichome special and unique is that some of those advertisements are for gay matching applications or something related to the LGBTQ+ community. The signboard shows that people in Nichome can be open about their sexuality and find other lovers here.
This page has a more in-depth analysis of Gay representation in Nichome
Function
Make people download the application
System at work
Makes people feel like there are many similar sexualities around, hence more intention to download the application.
Specific to Nichome
One will only see this Nichome in Japan, since it is a conservative country. Only in this space, can people advertise it openly. The image on the right also shows that there are many different types of people that could be gay.
Job Posting
The signboard wants to make people apply for this job. Very unique to Nichome, the job that this signboard is looking for is a “boy”, which is a waiter for a gay bar in this situation. The signboard shows that Nichome is a place where people in the LGBTQ+ community can also find a job without being judged.
Function
Make people want to apply for the job and work there for a long time
System at work
Makes people want to apply since it specifically gives a location that is close-by and gives out information like “you can get money immediately”, “place to sleep for free”, “can get food”
Specific to Nichome
Nichome is one of the only places in Japan that even has gay bars in general. “Boy” hiring will not be anything common outside of this area either.
Giving Messages
Signboards giving out messages may be somewhat rare in general, since the majority of signboards people see on a daily basis are usually for advertisement. However, in Nichome, it is pretty common to see signboards that try to give out messages like the one on the right. The signboard shows that Nichome is also a culture that is trying to resist the conservative culture of Japan.
Function
Make people feel a certain way about themselves
This page has a more in-depth analysis of how signboards give out messages
System at work
Makes people feel more confident with their sexuality by the use of image and the word “no more borders”
Specific to Nichome
Nichome is known to be the center of resistance for the conservative Japanese culture in regards of sexuality. Hence, the signboards that encourage open sexuality is specific to Nichome.
Prompt Safety Precautions
Signboards that try to prompt safety precautions may have become more and more common ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started. However, in Nichome, the safety precautions are usually about to do with some of the common issues in the LGBTQ+ community. This signboard shows that Nichome is a rather accepting place about HIV and AIDS.
Function
Make people take the HIV test.
This page has a more in-depth analysis of HIV in Nichome
System at work
Makes people feel more included and safe with the illustrations and giving all the safety measures that people can take to prevent or lessen the chances of spreading/getting the virus.
Specific to Nichome
HIV/AIDS is a serious issue for some people in the LGBTQ+. In Japan, most of these kinds of safety precautions for HIV/AIDS can only be seen in hospitals. However, Nichome has it in many places spread around the area.
Showing Inclusivity
Signboards trying to show inclusivity may be similar to ones that are trying to invite one in to a restaurant. However, inclusivity in Nichome may be more specifically for women or other people that are not in the LGBTQ+ community. This signboard shows that Nichome is also trying to be an open place for people other than the LGBTQ+ as well.
Function
Make women more welcome to the area/place.
System at work
Makes people feel more included by the statement that “first time nichome” or “women ok”.
Specific to Nichome
Nichome is well known for its gay community. Specifying “women” or “first time nichome” is very unique to Nichome. It shows that some are aware that Nichome bars could be intimidating for outsiders at times.
Conclusion
The signboards in Nichome also act as a system to make people feel more included into their society. Whether it be towards the LGBTQ+ community or people outside. The signboards in Nichome make people feel in a unique way compared to the outside world, and make them want to do something very different.