A button (blood type)
Unicode: 1F170 FE0F
Description
A square, white-on-blue 'A' symbol, representing a regular stop or station in the Tokyo Metro system.
Group:
Symbols > alphanum
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Neutral, informative. Primarily conveys location, direction, or public transit information.
Backstory
This is one of the many pictogram symbols standardized in Japan for urban signage, especially prevalent in the Tokyo Metro system. It's designed for quick recognition of train lines and stations by both locals and international visitors. The Unicode representation ensures its digital display as a distinct symbol, sometimes accompanied by a Variation Selector (FE0F) for text presentation.
Usage Examples
- Used on maps: 'Find the nearest A10 station.'
- In transit apps: 'Your next stop is A08.'
- Signage: 'Follow the A symbol for the Asakusa Line.'
- Directions: 'Take the A line to Shibuya.'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
May be unfamiliar or mistaken for a generic 'A' or 'Alpha' symbol without context. Its specific meaning is tied to Japanese urban signage.
East Asian culture:
Immediately recognizable in Japan as the Tokyo Metro station symbol (specifically for 'A' lines like the Asakusa Line). Familiar to frequent users or tourists of Tokyo's public transport.