Walkie, no talkie: Japan city launches pedestrian smartphone ban

A man hired by the local city hall holds banners to inform people about a ban on using mobile phones while walking, at a train station in Yamato, Kanagawa prefecture. — AFP Relaxnews

A Tokyo suburb on July 1 imposed Japan's first ban on a habit seen around the world: pedestrians glued to their phone screens while walking, sometimes dangerously oblivious to their surroundings.

Visitors arriving at the railway station in Yamato City were greeted with banners announcing the new prohibition, which applies to all foot journeys around the neighbourhood's public roads, squares and parks.