Irasshaimase Ishidohyo, Japanese Stone Wall

In Japan, decorative stone pillars can be seen in all sorts of places. These so-called Ishidōhyō (石道標) are placed partly in the ground and contain a written text that must be read from top to bottom. This text can cover a variety of subjects. It can, for example, indicate the way or a location. Additionally, poetic texts also frequently appear.

Everyone who has ever visited Japan is familiar with the engraved text on this Ishidōhyō, which is read as Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ). This phrase is always spoken when someone enters a shop or restaurant, for example. Roughly translated, it means: I humbly ask you to exist (in my presence). However, it can be better translated culturally as: Welcome!.