There have been some sad news events related to driving in Japan which I thought I’d write about. And while I was on the topic, why not ask J-List’s readers if they had any questions I could answer. So here we go with driving in Japan-related questions and answers for you!
What challenges does Japan face related to driving in Japan?
One sad challenge to the country is what to do with elderly drivers in a country where 25% of the population is already 65 or older. This crisis came to a head the past April when a young mother and her 3-year-old daughter were killed when an 87-year-old elderly driver pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake. In the aftermath, the government began a program of asking elderly Japanese to voluntarily surrender their licenses and requiring annual check-ups to ensure fitness. I remember seeing one driver at my local DMV who had lost his license when he received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Recently road rage has reared its ugly head in Japan, too, as drivers get angry at other drivers and follow them dangerously, sometimes leading to violence. This has lead to a rise of people buying driving cameras for their cars so they have evidence in case they’re ever involved in an accident.
Does Japan really have drifters?
Since J-List is right at the base of Mt. Akagi, I often take drives up when I need something to do, and you do always see the hashiriyas showing off their cars at the rest stops up the mountain. Once I saw a gorgeous yellow RX-7, just like out of Initial D, that had gone off the road and cracked up. The driver was unhurt but totally bummed.
How do you handle the switch from left-hand to right-hand driving?
Having gotten pretty much all her transportation technology from “Great Britain-senpai,” Japan drives on the left, like the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India. This means I have to re-orient myself when I flit between California and Japan, which isn’t too hard…if there are other drivers on the road that I can get behind. Sometimes when the streets are empty I find myself on the wrong side of the road for a few seconds.
The trick is, remember that you as the driver should always be closer to the center of the road than your passenger, no matter what country you’re in.
What does fuel cost in Japan?
Currently around 140 yen/ℓ, which would be €1.18/ℓ or US$4.94 per gallon. Diesel always cost around 20 yen less per liter, which makes me love filling up my Mazda CX-5 diesel version.
What would be the best way to see rural parts of Japan by car?
Definitely renting a car is an option. Japan has an excellent freeway system, though the tolls can be expensive. You can even rent one of the Initial D cars during your next trip to Japan!
How does anyone stand driving in Tokyo?
It used to be hellish, driving to Odaiba to attend the Comiket. To get home, I’d literally find a license plate that said Omiya (on the west side of Tokyo) and follow them, hoping they were going my way. Now in the age of car GPS navigation and Google maps to tell you which interchange to take, driving in Japan is much easier.
How does license testing work over there? How about foreigner licenses?
It’s super hard to get a license, and young Japanese have to attend a driving school for two months, which costs $3000. This is a good thing in the end, since drivers are well prepared to avoid accidents. Some foreign residents can get their license converted without a test depending on the treaties in place, but I had to take the test, which I failed 11 times. It was pretty much like learning to play a Super Mario level blindfolded.
Is it true that there is a van called the Mazda Scrum Wagon?
Yep. Also Mazda Bongo Friendee. And Mazda Laputa. And the Daihatsu Naked. And Mitsubishi Pajero (which is slang for “wanker” in Spanish).
What car do you drive?
I’ve been a fan of Mazda “Roadstars” (Miata/MX5) for years, but currently drive a BMW Z4. Considering I live in Gunma, where Subarus are made, I feel bad for not driving one of those.
After I beat all of the time trials in every area of Japan do I unlock Baby Luigi?
Got any more driving in Japan related questions for us? Hit us up on Twitter!
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