Foreign driver accidents in Japan reached a record level in the first half of 2025. According to the National Police Agency (NPA), 258 serious or fatal car accidents involved foreign drivers from January to June. This number rose by 19 compared to the same period last year. Consequently, it marked the first time since 2008 that the total exceeded 250. Moreover, the ratio of foreign driver accidents climbed to 2.1%, a new high for this statistic.
The NPA pointed out that the rise in foreign driver accidents closely follows the increase in foreign residents and visitors in Japan. As a result, authorities plan to strengthen regulations concerning the conversion of foreign licenses to Japanese ones. They hope this will help reduce accident rates among foreign drivers.
Additionally, the data revealed a concerning trend involving mobile phone use. The number of accidents resulting in death or serious injury where drivers were using mobile phones reached 68, the highest since the NPA began tracking this data in 2007. This increase signals a pressing need for better driver education about distracted driving risks.
Despite the rise in foreign driver accidents and mobile phone-related crashes, overall traffic fatalities in Japan decreased. The total number of deaths fell by 21 compared to last year, reaching 1,161. This figure remains the second-lowest since nationwide accident data collection started in 1956. Furthermore, cases of drunk driving dropped to 49 incidents, the lowest level since 2005.
The NPA also reported a rise in accidents involving electric kick scooters and small motorized bicycles. Such incidents grew by 29 to a total of 163. Nearly 18% of these involved riders under the influence of alcohol, a much higher rate than seen with bicycles or mopeds. Most of these crashes happened late at night or in the early morning. Authorities warned that many drunk riders use electric scooters after missing the last train home, creating a dangerous situation on the roads.
As Japan continues to welcome more foreign residents and tourists, tackling the issue of foreign driver accidents remains a priority. Authorities are committed to updating policies and improving driver safety education to reduce accidents across all groups.
