- Introduction: The Overlooked Importance of Traffic Rules
- How Are Japan’s Bicycle Rules Different from Other Countries?
- Why Minor Traffic Violations Can Affect Visa Applications
- What Traffic Safety Support Should Companies Provide for Foreign Workers?
- Points Foreign Nationals Should Be Aware Of
- Building a System Where the Entire Community Supports Foreign Workers
- Conclusion: Traffic Rule Education Is the Foundation of Accepting Foreign Workers
Introduction: The Overlooked Importance of Traffic Rules
In June 2026, a traffic safety and crime prevention seminar was held for foreign technical interns in Taragi Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Ten technical interns who started their lives in Japan this spring participated in the training, learning about bicycle rules, road signs, how to cross streets safely, and evacuation procedures during disasters.
While this may seem like a modest initiative, it is actually a crucial form of support for foreign workers. Japan’s traffic rules, especially those regarding bicycles, differ significantly from other countries and have become increasingly strict in recent years.
This article is written for business owners and HR managers considering hiring foreign workers, as well as foreign nationals working in Japan. We will explain why understanding traffic rules can impact visa applications and how companies and communities should provide support.
How Are Japan’s Bicycle Rules Different from Other Countries?
In Japan, bicycles are classified as “light vehicles” (keisharyo) and are subject to the Road Traffic Act. In many countries, bicycles are treated more like pedestrians, so this is a significant difference.
The following rules are particularly difficult for foreigners to understand:
・Bicycles must be ridden on the left side of the roadway
・Even when riding on sidewalks is permitted, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and ride slowly
・Using a mobile phone while riding is prohibited
・Riding while holding an umbrella is also prohibited
・Riding without lights at night is a violation
・Running red lights and failing to stop at stop signs are also subject to enforcement
These rules may be common sense for Japanese people, but many foreigners hear them for the first time.
Furthermore, since 2023, enforcement of bicycle traffic violations has been strengthened nationwide. Repeat offenders are required to attend a safety course, and there are penalties for non-compliance.
Why Minor Traffic Violations Can Affect Visa Applications
You might think, “A bicycle violation is no big deal,” but traffic violation records are actually considered during visa renewal, change of status, and permanent residency applications.
Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, “good conduct” is a requirement for visa screening. This conduct requirement is particularly strict for permanent residence applications.
Specifically, the following impacts are possible:
・Risk of being judged as having “poor conduct” due to accumulated traffic violations
・Possibility of refusal or pending status for permanent residence applications
・Shorter periods of stay granted during visa renewals
・Disadvantage in naturalization applications (acquiring Japanese citizenship)
Of course, a single minor violation will not immediately result in refusal. However, multiple violations or serious offenses will certainly work against you in the screening process.
“I didn’t expect this to happen” is no longer an acceptable excuse.
Initiatives like the training session in Taragi Town, Kumamoto, are exactly the kind of first step that eases such anxiety and creates an environment where foreign workers can start their lives in Japan with peace of mind.
What Traffic Safety Support Should Companies Provide for Foreign Workers?
For companies employing foreign nationals, ensuring employees understand traffic rules is not just “kindness” but part of risk management.
Consider the following support measures:
- Include traffic rule training in new employee orientation
Provide opportunities to explain Japanese traffic rules specifically, assuming commuting by bicycle or on foot. Using video materials and multilingual resources is more effective.
- Hold training sessions in collaboration with local police and municipalities
Like the Taragi Police Station, regularly holding training sessions in cooperation with local police and municipalities enables support not only for employees but for the entire community.
- Recommend and support helmet use for bicycle commuters
Since April 2023, wearing helmets while cycling has become a duty of effort. Companies should support safety awareness by providing purchase subsidies.
- Follow up when violations occur
If an employee commits a traffic violation, don’t just scold them. Provide guidance to prevent recurrence and appropriate information about potential impacts on their visa status.
- Also teach disaster evacuation procedures
In the Taragi training, disaster evacuation methods were also taught. Responding to natural disasters unique to Japan, such as earthquakes and typhoons, is also unfamiliar territory for foreign workers. Companies should also ensure multilingual disaster response manuals and participation in evacuation drills.
Points Foreign Nationals Should Be Aware Of
For those of you working and living in Japan as foreign nationals, please be strongly aware of the following:
・”I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse
Under Japanese law, “not knowing the rules” is not an excuse for violations. It’s important to actively seek information yourself.
・Don’t take small violations lightly
You might think, “This much is okay,” such as running a red light on a bicycle or failing to stop. But when these accumulate, they can affect your visa status.
・Consult a specialist if you’re in trouble
If you commit a traffic violation or are worried about impacts on your visa application, consult a specialist such as a gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) early. Taking appropriate action can sometimes minimize the impact.
Building a System Where the Entire Community Supports Foreign Workers
The Taragi Police Station’s initiative represents an attitude of “accepting foreign workers as an entire community.”
Foreign employment is not just a company issue. Only when various entities—local communities, government, police, educational institutions, and medical facilities—cooperate can an environment be created where foreign workers can work and live with peace of mind.
Especially in rural areas, there are industries that cannot function without foreign workers. In many fields such as tourism, hospitality, restaurants, agriculture, and manufacturing, foreign workers are indispensable.
That’s why “hire and finish” is not enough; comprehensive life support is necessary.
In Niseko, Kutchan, and throughout Hokkaido, the acceptance of foreign workers is progressing. By spreading initiatives like these traffic safety training sessions nationwide, a better symbiotic society can be realized for both foreign nationals and the host side.
Conclusion: Traffic Rule Education Is the Foundation of Accepting Foreign Workers
The traffic safety and crime prevention training in Taragi Town, Kumamoto, is a good example of “obvious but often overlooked” support in accepting foreign workers.
Understanding traffic rules is an important element directly linked not only to daily safety but also to maintaining and renewing visa status. For companies, government, and communities to work together and create an environment where foreign workers can live in Japan with peace of mind is essential for future foreign employment.
If you are a business owner or HR manager considering hiring foreign workers, please review traffic safety education for your employees.
If you are a foreign national working in Japan, please review Japanese traffic rules once more and lead a safe and secure life.
And if you have any concerns or difficulties, don’t keep them to yourself—consult a specialist. We gyoseishoshi (administrative scriveners) want to be there to support you throughout your life journey.
Article URL: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f2433853a2217bfda753a68f7dd3a739d27daacb
