The other day, according to the news, the release of artist Ringo Sheena’s album bonus goods has been postponed because they resemble the Help Mark.
The Help Mark, which is a combination of a white cross and a heart, is a pictogram created by the Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to make it easier for people to get help by letting them know that they need assistance or consideration even if it is not apparent from the outside, such as the use of artificial legs or joints, or internal disabilities. The Help Mark has been displayed on the Toei Subway Oedo Line since October 2012. The trademark “Help Mark” has no designation, and the right holder is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. (Japanese Trademark registration No. 5624913)
The Help Mark is also distributed at the section in charge of disability welfare in each municipality and at prefectural public health centers in Aichi Prefecture.
In addition, the Red Cross “Red Cross Mark” is a mark to protect people injured in wars and conflicts, as well as military medical units, Red Cross rescue workers and facilities that provide aid to such people, and it is strictly prohibited by international and domestic laws to attack hospitals, rescue workers, etc. that display the “Red Cross Mark. International and national laws strictly prohibit attacks on hospitals, rescue workers, etc. displaying the Red Cross symbol. The use of the Red Cross logo is restricted to the Red Cross Society and organizations that are legally designated to use it, and its use is also prohibited for general hospitals, medical supplies, etc.
I hope for a world where everyone can live with kindness and help each other. (Marron)
Help Mark, a sign of mutual aid (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health Website)
https://www.fukushihoken.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/helpmarkforcompany/