Introduction: A Serious Problem Behind the Beautiful Tourist Destinations

Aoiike (Blue Pond) in Biei, Hokkaido. The emerald-green water surface, shimmering under the strong summer sun, captivates travelers from around the world as “Biei Blue.” During the peak tourist season, rental cars with “WA” license plates (indicating rental vehicles) line the parking lot, as many overseas visitors enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

However, are you aware of the serious problem unfolding behind this beautiful scenery?

In the first half of 2026, 25 rental car accidents involving short-term foreign visitors occurred in Hokkaido—the highest pace in the past three years. On July 20 in Furano City, a rental car carrying a family of four from Hong Kong collided head-on with another vehicle, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old woman in the passenger seat. Four days earlier, a rental car carrying five foreign nationals collided with a train at a railway crossing on the JR Furano Line, leaving the vehicle so damaged it was unrecognizable.

These accidents are not merely issues for the tourism industry. They are also critical concerns for foreign residents living in Japan, their families, and companies employing foreign workers.

In this article, as an immigration lawyer specializing in visa applications, I will analyze this issue from multiple perspectives and explain key points that foreign residents and their employers should be aware of.

Why Are Accidents Involving Foreign Drivers Increasing?

1. Japan’s Unique Traffic Rules

Japan’s traffic rules are unique on a global scale. Right-hand drive and left-side traffic are not common worldwide, except in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia. For instance, Taiwan, China, the United States, and most European countries use left-hand drive and right-side traffic.

A traveler from Taiwan interviewed said, “In Taiwan, we use left-hand drive and drive on the right side of the road, so that’s the difference.” Similarly, Greek nationals from Switzerland, driving in Japan for the first time, carefully listened to detailed explanations about road signs and traffic rules.

Driving in an unfamiliar traffic environment increases the risk of accidents, no matter how careful the driver may be.

2. Lack of Understanding of Road Signs and Traffic Rules

Most road signs in Japan are written in Japanese. While bilingual signs (Japanese and English) are becoming more common in some areas, they are still insufficient. Overlooking “Stop” signs, red lights, and failure to observe temporary stops are cited as causes of accidents.

A rental car company in Furano has created original guidebooks in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai to prevent accidents. However, it is challenging for drivers to fully understand all the rules with just a brief explanation.

3. Psychological Pressure During Travel

During travel, there is often a strong desire to visit many tourist spots within a limited time. This can lead to hurried driving, anxiety on unfamiliar roads, and judgment errors that result in accidents.

What Foreign Residents and Employers Should Know

1. Driver’s Licenses and Traffic Rules for Foreign Residents

When foreign residents in Japan obtain a driver’s license, many convert their home country’s license to a Japanese one. However, this conversion process is often procedural, and opportunities to actually learn Japanese traffic rules and driving manners may be insufficient.

Particularly when foreign workers with work visas or dependent visas drive for business purposes, a lack of understanding of traffic rules can lead to accidents.

2. Employer’s Duty of Care for Safety

When foreign employees drive for work, employers have a duty of care for safety. Specific measures include:

  • Conducting safe driving training (multilingual support)
  • Distributing materials on Japanese traffic rules
  • Confirming driver suitability before driving
  • Regular awareness campaigns on safety

Failure to implement these measures may result in corporate liability in the event of an accident.

3. Traffic Violations and Impact on Residence Status

Traffic violation history can affect residence status renewal screening. In particular, cases involving drunk driving, unlicensed driving, or serious traffic accidents may be judged as failing to meet the requirement of “good conduct,” potentially leading to denial of renewal.

HR managers should recognize the importance of traffic safety education alongside residence status management for foreign employees.

Efforts and Limitations of the Rental Car Industry

Rental car companies in Furano have implemented the following initiatives:

  • Creating multilingual guidebooks (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai)
  • Providing detailed explanations of road signs and traffic rules
  • Displaying handmade English-language posters in stores
  • Emphasizing the importance of “Stop” signs and red lights

Some travelers from Taiwan even practice right-hand driving at driving schools in their home country before traveling to Japan, demonstrating high safety awareness.

However, these efforts alone cannot completely prevent accidents. Collaboration among the rental car industry, government, local communities, companies, and professionals is necessary.

What Is Needed to Realize a Multicultural Society

Realizing a multicultural society requires more than just legal and institutional frameworks. It is essential to create environments where people of diverse backgrounds can live safely in all aspects of daily life.

1. Multilingual Information Provision

Multilingual road signs and traffic guidance, as well as comprehensive information on rental car websites and explanatory materials, are crucial.

2. Collaboration Between Local Communities and Companies

Local governments, police, the rental car industry, and companies employing foreign workers should collaborate to conduct safe driving training and awareness campaigns on traffic rules.

3. Support from Professionals

Immigration lawyers and other professionals should provide not only visa application services but also information and advice to help foreign residents live safely in Japan.

Our Role as Immigration Lawyers

As specialists in residence status applications, we support foreign residents so they can live and work in Japan with peace of mind. However, to truly realize a “multicultural society,” ensuring daily safety is as important as legal procedures.

The issue of rising accidents involving foreign drivers reminds us that “safety is the foundation of a multicultural society.”

To HR managers, foreign residents, and local communities: by thinking and acting together, we can create a safe and livable society.

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us.

Summary

  • In the first half of 2026, rental car accidents involving foreign tourists in Hokkaido reached a record pace
  • Japan’s unique right-hand drive and left-side traffic rules contribute to accidents
  • Employers of foreign workers have a duty to provide safe driving education
  • Traffic violation history may affect residence status renewal screening
  • Ensuring daily safety is essential for realizing a multicultural society
  • Collaboration among companies, communities, and professionals is necessary

Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0a29aa4c76fa876c44e5112de9d93ed3926363e2

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