- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,057
- 18,914
Traffic accidents involving foreign drivers in Japan rose by 30% over the past five years, reaching 7,286 cases in 2024, according to data from the NPA. These incidents included 54 fatal crashes and 486 cases with serious injuries. The rise in accidents coincides with a record number of foreign residents—1.25 million—holding Japanese driver's licenses as of the end of last year.
On 10 June, NPA Commissioner General Yoshinobu Kusunoki called on regional traffic authorities to strengthen education and awareness efforts for international drivers. He stressed the importance of promoting not only knowledge of Japan's traffic laws but also the driving manners expected on the roads.
The data also showed that while 90% of foreign drivers involved in accidents held valid Japanese licenses, 3.6% were driving without a valid license, and 3.1% were using international driving permits.
The number of non-Japanese drivers is expected to continue rising. The government recently expanded its Type 1 Specified Skilled Worker visa program to include the transport and delivery industry.
On 10 June, NPA Commissioner General Yoshinobu Kusunoki called on regional traffic authorities to strengthen education and awareness efforts for international drivers. He stressed the importance of promoting not only knowledge of Japan's traffic laws but also the driving manners expected on the roads.
The data also showed that while 90% of foreign drivers involved in accidents held valid Japanese licenses, 3.6% were driving without a valid license, and 3.1% were using international driving permits.
The number of non-Japanese drivers is expected to continue rising. The government recently expanded its Type 1 Specified Skilled Worker visa program to include the transport and delivery industry.