- ■ Introduction: Rising Cases of Foreign Nationals Entering Expressways in Yamanashi Prefecture
- ■ Case Details: “I Didn’t Know” Is Not an Acceptable Defense
- ■ Why Do Foreign Nationals Frequently Make This Mistake? Analysis of Cultural and Structural Factors
- ■ Challenges Facing Companies: Safety Management Responsibilities in Foreign Employment
- ■ Specific Measures Companies Should Implement: Protecting the Safety of Foreign Staff
- ■ Initiatives by Yamanashi Prefectural Police and Related Organizations
- ■ Perspective from Visa and Residence Status Specialists: The Need for Comprehensive Support Beyond Legal Services
- ■ Corporate Social Responsibility in the Age of Globalization
- ■ Conclusion: Small Considerations Prevent Major Accidents
■ Introduction: Rising Cases of Foreign Nationals Entering Expressways in Yamanashi Prefecture
Between 2024 and 2025, Yamanashi Prefecture has experienced a series of incidents involving foreign visitors mistakenly entering expressways by bicycle or other means. According to reports by Yomiuri Shimbun, there were 167 confirmed cases of erroneous expressway entry in the prefecture from 2022 to 2025, with approximately 60% (94 cases) involving foreign nationals.
The problem is particularly pronounced in the popular tourist area of Fuji Hokuroku, specifically around the Higashi-Fuji Go-ko Road. In 2025, of the 33 cases of mistaken entry, over 80% (27 cases) involved foreign nationals, with more than half occurring by bicycle.
This issue extends beyond temporary tourist incidents. As Japan continues to accept increasing numbers of foreign residents and workers, it highlights critical safety management considerations that companies must address when employing foreign staff.
From the perspective of visa and residence status application specialists, this article examines the corporate responsibilities indicated by this problem and outlines necessary measures to protect the safety of foreign staff members.
■ Case Details: “I Didn’t Know” Is Not an Acceptable Defense
On July 26, 2026, Lake Yamanaka was bustling with visitors enjoying cycling along the lakeside. Located approximately 2 kilometers northwest of the lake is the Yamanakako Interchange of the Higashi-Fuji Go-ko Road.
A 47-year-old Canadian man who had rented bicycles with his family for a cycling trip expressed surprise when interviewed, stating, “I didn’t know that bicycles couldn’t enter expressways.”
This man had been cycling for nearly two hours without knowledge of the rules. He reflected, “They explained various things when I rented the bicycle, but I wasn’t listening carefully. I’ll be more careful from now on.”
A more serious incident occurred on the afternoon of July 22, 2026, when four foreign nationals mistakenly entered the Higashi-Fuji Go-ko Road from Yamanakako Interchange on bicycles.
Thanks to a witness report, the Yamanashi Prefectural Police arrived and secured the four individuals before any serious incident occurred. The four had been cycling using a smartphone map application and entered the expressway without realizing what it was.
Mistaken entry onto expressways poses extreme danger not only to the individuals involved but also to other vehicles traveling at high speeds. Such incidents carry a high risk of serious accidents that could result in loss of life.
■ Why Do Foreign Nationals Frequently Make This Mistake? Analysis of Cultural and Structural Factors
1. International Differences in Traffic Rules
While it is common knowledge in Japan that bicycles cannot enter expressways, circumstances differ abroad.
For example, in certain areas of the United States and Canada, bicycle lanes are sometimes attached to freeways (expressways). Additionally, in some European countries, bicycles are permitted to travel on major arterial roads.
Such cultural and legal differences in background contribute to the mistaken belief that “bicycles can enter expressways.”
2. Language Barriers and Communication Challenges
Although bicycle rental shops provide explanations, many cases involve individuals who “weren’t listening carefully.”
This is not merely inattention; language issues play a significant role. For foreign nationals with limited Japanese proficiency, verbal explanations alone may be insufficient for proper understanding.
3. Limitations of Digital Maps
While smartphone map applications are extremely convenient, the visual distinction between expressways and regular roads can be unclear.
Particularly in bicycle route searches, systems may mistakenly suggest routes that include expressways, leading users to unknowingly enter them.
4. Growth of Online Reservations and Contactless Services
In recent years, an increasing number of foreign visitors reserve bicycles online and rent them without face-to-face contact.
In such cases, there is no opportunity for staff to provide direct warnings, making it difficult to prevent dangerous situations.
■ Challenges Facing Companies: Safety Management Responsibilities in Foreign Employment
This problem extends beyond tourists. It carries important implications for companies employing foreign workers.
1. Responsibilities Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act
Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, companies are obligated to ensure the safety of their employees. This applies equally to foreign staff members.
Traffic accidents during commutes may, in some cases, qualify for workers’ compensation, potentially making the company liable.
2. Social Responsibility and Reputational Risk
When foreign staff members are involved in traffic accidents, the company’s social responsibility may be questioned.
If perceived as having “neglected safety education for foreign staff,” the company’s reputation may suffer.
3. Impact on Talent Acquisition and Retention
Creating an environment where foreign staff can work with peace of mind directly impacts talent acquisition and retention rates.
Companies that neglect safety management risk being overlooked by talented foreign professionals.
■ Specific Measures Companies Should Implement: Protecting the Safety of Foreign Staff
1. Enhanced Onboarding Orientation
Just as with visa applications and residence status procedures, careful explanation of Japanese traffic rules is essential.
Particular emphasis should be placed on:
- Bicycles cannot enter expressways
- Bicycles should generally travel on the left side of roadways
- Lights must be used at night
- Riding while holding an umbrella or using a smartphone is prohibited
- Drunk cycling is illegal
2. Providing Multilingual Visual Materials
Beyond verbal explanations, providing visual materials in employees’ native languages—English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, etc.—is effective.
Create materials with abundant illustrations and photographs that can be understood regardless of language proficiency.
3. On-Site Traffic Rule Confirmation
Particularly for staff members who commute by bicycle, it is effective to accompany them along their actual commute route, pointing out dangerous locations and specific areas requiring attention.
4. Regular Reminders and Updates
Beyond initial onboarding, regular traffic safety reminders are important.
Provide information on seasonal considerations (wet weather riding, winter icy roads, etc.).
5. Clear Emergency Contact Information
Clarify contact information and response procedures in case of accidents, and share this information with foreign staff in an easily understandable manner.
6. Location-Specific Measures
Companies operating in tourist areas like the Fuji Five Lakes region or near expressway interchanges require particular attention.
Understand region-specific risks and implement corresponding educational programs.
■ Initiatives by Yamanashi Prefectural Police and Related Organizations
The Yamanashi Prefectural Police Expressway Unit has implemented various countermeasures.
1. Distribution of Multilingual Posters
Posters with warnings in English, Chinese, and other languages stating that bicycles cannot enter expressways have been distributed to bicycle rental shops.
2. Convening Strategy Meetings
On July 23, 2024, a strategy meeting involving related organizations was held in Fujiyoshida City.
Approximately 20 participants, including representatives from NEXCO Central Nippon and the Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Federation, proposed measures such as:
- Announcements via each tourism federation’s SNS and websites
- Expansion of road surface markings prohibiting expressway entry
3. Ongoing Consultations
The prefectural police plan to continue consultations on countermeasures, stating, “Before major accidents occur, we want to collaborate with police and related organizations to publicize that entering expressways (by bicycle, etc.) is a dangerous act.”
■ Perspective from Visa and Residence Status Specialists: The Need for Comprehensive Support Beyond Legal Services
As specialists in visa and residence status applications, we support many foreign nationals, their families, and companies employing foreign workers daily.
Our experience demonstrates that legal procedural support alone is insufficient.
1. Importance of Comprehensive Life Support
True “acceptance” and “coexistence” mean supporting overall quality of life after obtaining visas and residence status.
Providing basic knowledge for safe and comfortable living in Japan—including traffic rules, waste separation, and local customs—is an essential part of our role.
2. Need for Corporate Consulting
For companies employing foreign nationals, we provide advice not only from a legal compliance perspective but also on creating environments where foreign staff can work with confidence.
This includes support for developing traffic safety education programs.
3. Continuous Follow-Up
Beyond residence status renewal periods, maintaining regular communication to identify concerns and anxieties early and provide appropriate support is crucial.
■ Corporate Social Responsibility in the Age of Globalization
Utilizing foreign talent has become an essential management strategy for many companies.
However, companies bear responsibility not merely to accept “labor,” but to protect the safety and well-being of each individual.
1. Practicing Diversity & Inclusion
True diversity and inclusion means creating environments where people of different backgrounds can work safely and comfortably.
The process of sharing “common sense” is what leads to genuine multicultural coexistence.
2. Safety Management as Investment
Safety management for foreign staff is not a cost but an investment.
The returns include:
- Improved employee engagement
- Reduced turnover rates
- Enhanced corporate brand value
- Good relationships with local communities
3. Sustainable Business Operations
An environment where all employees, including foreign staff, can work with peace of mind forms the foundation for sustainable business operations.
■ Conclusion: Small Considerations Prevent Major Accidents
The series of expressway entry incidents involving foreign visitors in Yamanashi Prefecture offers important lessons.
The statement “I didn’t know bicycles couldn’t enter expressways” clearly demonstrates the perception gap created by different cultural backgrounds.
HR managers and executives: Is your safety education for foreign staff sufficient?
Like visa applications and residence status procedures, providing basic knowledge for safe living in Japan is an important corporate responsibility.
What matters is not “we explained it” but confirming “they understood it.”
Small considerations prevent major accidents.
And such consideration becomes the foundation that realizes a truly multicultural society and supports sustainable corporate growth in the global era.
As visa and residence status specialists, we provide comprehensive support not only for legal procedures but also for various challenges faced by foreign nationals, their families, and companies employing foreign workers.
If you need assistance with safety management for foreign staff, building educational systems, or life support, please feel free to contact us.
Let us work together to build a safe and prosperous multicultural society.
【Contact Information】
For consultations on visa applications, residence status, and consulting on foreign employment, please contact us.
