This topic is devoted to JDM fans mostly, but may be interesting for others too. So, most of you have seen green and yellow V-shaped symbols or yellow-orange drop-shape marks. But most of JDM fans don't realize what these marks mean, most of them just think it's a cool part of JDM tuning culture. But everything has its history and practical application. These marks are called the Shoshinsha mark (or Wakaba mark) and the Koreisha mark and used as a visual indication.
The Shoshinsha mark (or Wakaba mark) is the most popular among JDM beginners. But in its motherland (Japan) it was introduced in 1972 for those drivers who obtain a standard driver's licence. But having no experience even after one year and being not self-confident you may continue to display it on the front and back of the car.
How I've already said the mark is also used by JDM enthusiasts in other countries, such as Australia, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, the U.K and U.S.A. to show their passion and interest in JDM culture. Some have taken the Shoshinsha shape and replaced the original green and yellow colors with their own flag to distance themselves from the "beginner" label, while still showing their enthusiasm for JDM car culture. There are even sites specializing in producing these "custom" wakaba badges. Thus, in countries besides Japan, the Shoshinsha mark has become more of a decorative decal rather than a traffic warning.
The So-called Koreisha mark indicates aged person at the wheel. The Japanese law claims that when a person who is aged 70 and over drives a car and his/her age may affect the driving, he/she should to display the sign on the front and back of the car. If a person aged 75 and over are oblged to carry the mark.
The mark was introduced in 1997 and its old shape was an orange and yellow drop-shaped and was considered by many as falling dried leaf, but in February 2011 was introduced a new 4-leaf 4-colour mark which is considered to be more polite.
In JDM culture the mark means that its owner is well-experienced driver or has a grate knowledge in JDM sphere. Both marks are designed to warn other drivers that the marked driver is not very skilled, either due to inexperience or old age. So, now you know what the both marks mean and may share with your friends just to show-off ;-) Be smart, learn history!
