Do you know the sign of Glico, a sightseeing spot in Osaka?
The bridge in Dotonbori, Osaka’s main tourist destination, is full of tourists taking pictures in the same pose as the Glico sign with their hands spread out in front of them.
It’s a strange sight, but it’s a standard photo spot, and if you come to Osaka for a trip, it’ll be one of the things you want to do.
Its unique design and long history have made it world-famous. In this article, we will explore in detail why Glico signs are famous and why they win people’s hearts. Located in Osaka’s southern district, Glico’s signboard symbolizes the posture of a running boy.
1. Historical background
Glico’s signboard became famous in the Showa 20s (after 1945). During the postwar reconstruction period, Osaka was still in ruins, and Glico Corporation has decided to install huge signs in Osaka’s high-rise buildings to revitalize the city and promote its advertising effect.
2.Original design
The most notable feature of the Glico sign is the posture of a running boy. The boy’s illustrations are vivid and distinctive, attracting viewers. The boy’s energetic running symbolizes courage, energy and dreams. The original design aroused public sympathy and became a symbol of Osaka.
3. Status as a cultural icon
The Glico sign has become a popular tourist attraction in Osaka and is visited by many people. Tourists and locals generally cite the sign as one of the purposes to visit. Glico’s signage was also used as a location for many movies and dramas, establishing itself as a cultural icon in Osaka.
4. Signboards that evolve with the times
The Glico sign has undergone several renovations since its inception. The design has been updated to keep pace with the changing times and continues to attract people with new charms. However, the image of a running boy continues to be followed and deeply engraved in people’s minds.
Aside：Singapore’s Merlion
Taking pictures in the same pose or unique pose at sightseeing spots is more memorable by taking different photos and uploading them on SNS.
Besides posing on the Glico sign in Osaka, I think Singapore’s Merlion is especially popular worldwide in Asia.
Unique design and symbolism
The Merlion is a legendary creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body. Its distinctive design, known as the symbol of Singapore, gives a strong impression to visitors. The sight of Merlion opening his mouth gave people a powerful and powerful impression, so people naturally posed with his mouth open during photography.
Influence of Instagram and SNS
Because of its uniqueness and impact, photography in an open-mouthed pose became a hot topic on social media (social networking service) and became popular as an Instagram-like photo. Visitors tend to express their individuality and share photos by taking characteristic poses to differentiate themselves from others. The open-mouthed pose became a unique activity for visitors to Merlion and formed a photo-sharing culture on social media.
humor and playfulness
Taking pictures with an open-mouthed pose is also a way to express playfulness and humor. Visitors can feel pleasure and adventure by posing as if they were taking themselves into Merlion’s mouth. This sense of play contributed to the popularity of photographs of open-mouthed poses.
For the above reasons, taking pictures in open-mouthed poses in Singapore’s Merlion became popular. Its unique design and symbolism, the influence of SNS, and elements that express playfulness and humor have established itself as a style of photography that is a special experience for tourists.
Summary
The unique design and historical significance of the Glico sign in Osaka have made it world-famous. The running boy’s posture symbolizes courage, vitality and dreams, and has aroused the sympathy of many people.
Glico’s sign has also become a cultural icon in Osaka, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals. Its ever-evolving attitude has also created new charms over time. The Glico sign is a symbol of Osaka and will continue to shine as a captivating figure.
Why don’t you visit to remember your trip to Osaka and take a picture in the same pose?
