A crosswalk in Aoba City has begun applauding pedestrians who wait patiently for the signal.

The city installed the experimental system last week to encourage safer behavior at busy intersections.

When people stand behind the line until the light changes, the signal plays a short clapping sound.

City officials say the sound is gentle and not intended to embarrass anyone who crosses early.

"We are not scolding impatient people," one official said. "We are simply celebrating patient people."

The system has already changed the mood of the street. Some children now wait very seriously, hoping for applause.

A local office worker said he felt strangely proud after receiving the sound three times in one day.

However, there is one concern. A group of tourists bowed to the signal after it applauded them.

The city says bowing is optional but appreciated.

If the test succeeds, more crosswalks may receive the feature next year.