Information

Several prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo and Kanagawa, prohibit the use of earphones while cycling under local ordinances. This is because wearing earphones can make it difficult to hear surrounding sounds and voices, which could hinder safe cycling. In fact, there have been several accidents resulting in fatalities where cyclists wearing earphones collided with pedestrians.

Furthermore, although the Road Traffic Act (a national law) does not explicitly prohibit the use of earphones, cycling while unable to grasp the surrounding situation due to earphone use may constitute a violation of the safe driving obligation. (And, if you are listening to music with earphones, you may be committing this violation.)

Until now, there has been limited enforcement of traffic violations by cyclists. This is because applying penalties under the Road Traffic Act to minor violations can result in a criminal record (criminal fine called BAKKIN), which is considered disproportionate. However, a penalty system similar to that for automobiles will be introduced for cyclists by 2026. This system will impose fines (traffic violation fine called HANSOKUKIN) without resulting in a criminal record. This makes it easier for police to enforce the law, leading to increased enforcement.

While bicycles are a convenient means of transportation, they are classified as light vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and require adherence to traffic rules, just like automobiles. Using earphones can endanger not only yourself but also surrounding pedestrians and vehicles. Please comply with traffic rules and strive for safe cycling.

The Road Traffic Act (Law, 道路交通法) in Japan has been revised and came into effect in November 2024. The penalties for the following acts have been strengthened.

These acts that were previously only punishable by fines (or were not treated as crimes in the first place). Due to changes in the law, these acts may now be punishable by imprisonment. A prison sentence may result in disqualification from certain professions. It can also affect your status of residence in the future.

Some of you may have been biking home after drinking a few alcoholic beverages. From now on, you need to be careful to never ride your bicycle on a day when you have had a few drinks (just like you would with an automobile).

Riding a bicycle while talking on a smartphone or looking at the screen

Previous penalty (before Nov. 2024)

Fine of up to 50,000 yen

Revised Penalty (after nov. 2024)

Imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen

If causing a traffic accident or other traffic hazard: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen

Driving a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol

Before November 2024, only driving while intoxicated heavily¹ was subject to punishment. Under the amended Road Traffic Act, “driving while under the influence of alcohol” (driving while having 0.3 milligrams or more of alcohol per milliliter of blood or 0.15 milligrams or more of alcohol per liter of breath in the body) is now also subject to punishment.

New Penalty:

Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen

Even if the driver is not aware that he or she is so intoxicated, it is still a crime if the numerical requirements are met.

1. Driving a bicycle while intoxicated heavily was subject to a penalty from before the amendment of the law. The penalty is very heavy and can be up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen. ↩︎

Recently, we receive many inquiries from overseas about purchasing a vacant house (Akiya) in Japan.

In Japan, real estate brokers must support their clients’ real estate transactions through nationally licensed personnel. This license requires knowledge of fundamental laws, such as the Civil Code, and specific laws related to real estate transactions. As a result, attorneys are not commonly involved in routine real estate transactions.

However, when foreigners purchase real estate in Japan, various procedural considerations come into play, which not all real estate agents may be familiar with. Therefore, consulting with a registration specialist (judicial scrivener), a tax specialist (licensed tax accountant), or a legal specialist (attorney) can be beneficial.

If the buyer is unable to come to Japan, a representative is needed to finalize the transaction. An attorney can act as your representative, ensuring a legally compliant and smooth transaction process, while also protecting your funds from potential fraud.

It’s important to note that attorneys cannot assist in the search for real estate. During the search phase, it is advisable to find a trustworthy real estate agent. Once you have located a property, you may contact an attorney for representation in the transaction.

See also:
Real Estate in Japan | Inheritance | Sales
Real Estate Procedures
Practical Guide to Real Estate Transactions in Japan