This pair of fiberglass schoolboy safety flag holders were photographed at a heavy-traffic intersection in Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture. Wearing bright yellow coats and boots, a bright red hat, and sporting school bags slung across their backs, these statues resemble many first year elementary school students in Japan, who for safety dress to be seen by motorists. Before crossing the street on their way to school, children take a flag from one holder, and then proceed to cross the street holding it high. Having crossed the street they place the flag in the opposing statue, readying it for their return home. On the top of the statues’ heads is a slot where the flags had once been. And the writing on their chests says who donated the statues, a Mr. Matsuyama Taro. Weathered by years of service and with their flags now gone, the one boy, who lost a hand and broke off from the concrete base, is literally on his last legs. Gokurosan.
JapanFolklore 