Recognise these? Japan’s pavement ‘tenji blocks’ guide visually impaired worldwide

The tactile paving was invented in Japan more than 50 years ago to help those with visual impairments move safely around urban environments

‘Tenji blocks’ have since gone global, becoming a familiar sight in cities around the world from London to Sydney

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Tenji blocks, aimed at helping people with visual impairments, are seen inside a train station in Tokyo on August 29. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:00am, 1 Sep 2021

From Tokyo’s famous Shibuya crossing to the remotest Okinawan island, Japan’s streets have one thing in common: “tenji blocks” - yellow textured paving squares to aid people with visual impairments.

The tactile paving was invented in Japan more than 50 years ago to help those with visual impairments move smoothly and safely around urban environments.

And they have gone global over the years, becoming a familiar sight in cities from London to Sydney.

Tenji blocks with QR codes attached are seen inside a train station in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

The tiles, typically found at railway station platforms, pedestrian crossings, and in front of public buildings, are usually yellow, which is often said to be the easiest colour for the visually impaired to see.

They come in two types: squares with long raised parallel strips tell pedestrians they can proceed safely and keep them following the road, while those with raised bumps indicate a change of direction or stopping point like an entrance, or a possible danger like a platform edge, staircase or traffic light.

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