A sampling of kid-related signs.

Red leather backpacks are a symbol of Japanese school children. Some schools use the flat surface to hang reflective, cautionary signs.

A children crossing sign. Below it is "Elementary School. School Route."

Sign pointing to nearby schools and services. Notice that there are two elementary schools and two junior high schools within a 5 minute walk.

Map of an elementary school wrapped in a park's loving embrace. The park is full of kid-friendly activities.

Pedestrian stop sign in front of a crosswalk, with cute animals to attract kids' attention. They're the target audience, since this is right next to an elementary school exit.

In a pocket park, this sign tries to stop kids from taking batting practice. The park is just long enough for a makeshift mound and plate.

In a pocket park, this sign tries to stop folks from setting off fireworks in the summer time. It's probably aimed at adolescents and young adults.

A common sight in residential areas, this sign limits a narrow street to only bike and ped use during morning and afternoon rush hours - covering the hours just before and after school. The sign says "Pedestrian Use Road. Except Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. 7:30-9, 16-18."

Painted on a business district road, this sign says "School Route, Vehicles Prohibited 7:30-9, 16-19". There are also signs asking people to keep their speed down.

"School Route" painted on a one-way street next to an elementary school.

Another common sight, these signs say "School Street", then have the character "bun", which means "writing" and appears as prefix in many terms related to literature, grammar and education. In that sense it could be taken to mean "grammar school", but I believe these appear near junior and senior high schools as well. Finally the name of the school district (in Tokyo, the same as the local city government) appears at the bottom.

"Grammar" painted on a school walking route.