Japan reports increasing helmet usage among cyclists: survey

Sep 14, 2023 | News On Japan

TOKYO - About 13 percent of bicycle riders in Japan are now wearing helmets following a revised road traffic law that came into force in April, a recent survey has shown.

The reading marked a significant increase from the previous figure of 4 percent recorded in a survey conducted before the country's road traffic law was revised to mandate cyclists across all age groups in Japan to wear helmets in April.

A separate report released by the agency on Thursday showed that the October-December period, particularly from 2018 to 2022, recorded the highest number of cycling-related fatalities, totaling 575 individuals.

This phenomenon is attributed to several factors, including the early sunset times during these months, leading to reduced visibility during the twilight hours when many people are commuting or shopping, according to the report. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

Typhoon No. 25 Threatens Kanto and Izu Islands

Large Typhoon No. 25 was moving northwest over waters south of Japan at 3 p.m. on September 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Kanto and the Izu Islands from September 20 through September 21, bringing the risk of torrential rain, violent winds and further damage in areas still recovering from last year's typhoon.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyushu Shinkansen Back on Track for Silver Week

The Kyushu Shinkansen will resume operations along its entire route on September 18 after suffering extensive track and other damage in the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes that the long-awaited restoration will help revive tourism in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday period.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Tourism Ahead of Silver Week

Prolonged rain is disrupting tourism ahead of Japan's Silver Week holidays, forcing Nagatoro's popular river cruises to remain suspended for an 11th consecutive day while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing more visitors.