The archaeology of polite society

Creating an order by ensuring predictable behaviours is one way of making life smooth

Although they are ubiquitous, Japanese people rarely notice the grooved lines on their pavements. Every footpath that is wide enough seems to have these extruding lines. They inhibit the smooth movement of prams, wheelchairs and trolleys. In the rain or snow, they can be a hazard for the cyclists who share pavements with pedestrians. They are expensive to maintain.

But these lines serve a purpose. With their prominently raised grooves, they provide a means for blind people to traverse the city. They can feel these footpath guides with their feet or follow them with walking canes.

These pavement guides are symbols of