Introduction

In April 2026, a Chinese national graduate student was arrested in Sapporo for presenting a forged driver’s license image to a police officer. The suspect attempted to make an illegal right turn and, when stopped by police, showed a fake Japanese driver’s license stored on a smartphone.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect had no record of obtaining a Japanese driver’s license, and the image presented was under someone else’s name. While the suspect possessed a Chinese driver’s license, he had never obtained a Japanese license. According to reports, the suspect admitted to the forgery, stating, “I thought I could drive.”

This incident serves as an important reminder for foreign residents in Japan and companies employing foreign workers about the fundamental rules of Japan’s driver’s license system and traffic regulations. As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) with extensive experience in visa applications and residency status procedures, I will analyze this case and explain the key points everyone should understand.

1. A Valid Japanese Driver’s License is Required to Drive in Japan

First and foremost, to drive a motor vehicle in Japan, you must possess a valid Japanese driver’s license.

It is a common misconception that “I have a driver’s license from my home country, so I can drive in Japan.” Japan’s Road Traffic Act requires that anyone driving within Japan hold a Japanese driver’s license as a general rule.

However, there are limited exceptions:

  • Holders of an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the Geneva Convention
  • Holders of a driver’s license from a country with which Japan has mutual recognition agreements, accompanied by an authorized translation

Even in these cases, driving is permitted only for a limited period (typically one year) from the date of entry into Japan. Those planning to stay in Japan long-term must obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

In this incident, the suspect possessed a Chinese driver’s license but had not obtained a Japanese license. A Chinese license alone does not authorize driving in Japan.

2. License Conversion (Gaimen Kirikae): Switching from a Foreign License to a Japanese License

Foreign residents holding a driver’s license from their home country can obtain a Japanese license through a process called “gaimen kirikae” (foreign license conversion). Under certain conditions, this system allows applicants to convert their foreign license to a Japanese license with partial or complete exemption from practical and written exams.

Key requirements for license conversion include:

  • The foreign license must be valid
  • The applicant must have resided in the issuing country for at least three months (cumulative) after obtaining the license
  • The foreign license must be genuine

In recent years, issues such as fraudulent licenses and forged documents have prompted stricter scrutiny of license conversion applications. Authorities have identified cases of illegal license acquisition and sales in certain countries, leading Japanese police to conduct more careful examinations.

If you wish to convert your foreign license, it is essential to prepare all required documents accurately and follow proper procedures. If you have any questions, consulting with a specialist is highly recommended.

3. You Must Carry the Original Driver’s License While Driving

A particularly noteworthy aspect of this case is that the suspect presented an “image” stored on a smartphone.

Even if that image had been a photograph of a genuine license, it would not have been sufficient for legal driving.

Article 95, Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Act states: “A person who has been licensed must carry the license certificate for the relevant motor vehicle when driving such vehicle.”

This means that drivers are legally required to carry the original driver’s license while driving.

A digital image stored on a smartphone, a photocopy, or a photograph does not constitute the original license. Therefore, possessing these items does not fulfill the legal requirement to “carry” a driver’s license.

If you drive without the original license, you may be penalized for “failure to carry a driver’s license.” The penalty for this offense is a fine or petty fine of up to 20,000 yen.

4. Driver’s Licenses in the Digital Age

In recent years, society has undergone rapid digitalization. Airline tickets have become predominantly electronic, and smartphone payments are now commonplace for shopping. Administrative procedures have also moved online, with many tasks now completed entirely on a smartphone.

Given this trend, it is understandable that some people might think, “Why can’t a smartphone image of a driver’s license be acceptable?”

However, as of now, the law requires that the original driver’s license be carried while driving.

Japan is exploring the integration of individual number cards (My Number cards) with driver’s licenses, and digitalization of licenses may become a reality in the future. Until then, however, the traditional requirement to carry the original license remains in effect.

Some may find this rule outdated, but laws are based on societal consensus. Complying with current laws is the responsibility of each individual.

5. Using a Forged Driver’s License is a Serious Crime

In this case, the suspect used a forged license image under someone else’s name. This constitutes “uttering a forged official document bearing a seal,” a serious criminal offense.

The crime of uttering a forged official document with a seal (Article 158 of the Penal Code) carries a sentence of imprisonment for not less than three months and not more than five years. This is not merely a traffic violation but a criminal offense subject to severe punishment.

Additionally, driving without a license is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

For foreign nationals, committing such crimes can have serious consequences for their residency status. It may result in deportation (forced repatriation), severely limiting their ability to live in Japan in the future.

The mindset of “It’s fine as long as I don’t get caught” or “A little bit won’t hurt” is absolutely unacceptable.

6. A Message to Foreign Residents in Japan

For foreign residents in Japan, I want to emphasize that living safely and securely in Japan requires strict adherence to Japanese laws, including traffic regulations.

Excuses such as “This was not a problem in my home country” or “I didn’t know” are not acceptable. If you live in Japan, you have an obligation to follow Japanese laws.

However, language barriers and cultural differences can make it difficult to fully understand Japanese laws and systems. If you find yourself in such a situation, please consult with a specialist.

Administrative scriveners and other professionals provide not only visa and residency status services but also general advice about living in Japan.

Regarding driver’s licenses, we can assist with license conversion procedures, document preparation, and other related matters.

7. A Message to HR Managers and Business Owners

For HR managers and business owners employing foreign workers, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

If foreign employees drive vehicles as part of their work, verifying that they are legally authorized to drive is a critical aspect of corporate risk management.

If an employee causes an accident while driving without a license or without carrying their license, the company may also be held liable. Particularly if the driving occurs during work hours, employer liability may be invoked.

Please confirm the following:

  • Does the employee hold a valid Japanese driver’s license?
  • Does the employee carry the original license while driving?
  • If the employee holds only a foreign license, do they possess an International Driving Permit or authorized translation, and are they within the permitted residency period?

It is also important to ensure that foreign employees are well-informed about traffic rules. Regular training and information sessions can help employees understand Japanese traffic laws, contributing to accident prevention and legal compliance.

8. Simple Rules for Driving

The rules for driving are actually very simple:

  1. Hold a valid driver’s license
  2. Carry the original license while driving
  3. Do not drive if you forget your license
  4. Do not drive if you do not have a license at all

That’s it.

Thinking “It’s okay because I have a photo,” “I can show it later,” or “A little bit won’t matter” is not acceptable.

The driver’s license system is built on social rules designed to ensure traffic safety. When each individual follows these rules, a safe traffic environment is maintained.

9. Conclusion: Legal Compliance is a Responsibility as a Member of Society

This forged license incident offers many lessons.

Forging a driver’s license is, of course, completely unacceptable. At the same time, each of us must reaffirm the basic principle that we must always carry the original license.

Obeying the law is not something extraordinary. It is a fundamental responsibility as a member of the traffic community and the minimum requirement for maintaining a safe society.

To foreign residents and companies employing foreign workers: if you have any questions or concerns about driver’s licenses or residency status, please feel free to consult with a specialist.

With correct knowledge and proper procedures, you can live in Japan with peace of mind.

As administrative scriveners, we are committed to supporting you so that you can live safely and legally in Japan.

Reference Link
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/484ec2168d24d65adbc7947f90a575aa01b5bbe8

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