Japan Moves to Block Chinese Tourists from Converting Foreign Licenses Using Hotel Addresses

TOKYO, May 14 (News On Japan) - A growing number of Chinese tourists in Japan are converting their foreign driver's licenses into Japanese ones by listing their hotel addresses as proof of residence, drawing criticism and prompting a policy shift from authorities.

Former Digital Minister Taro Kono posted on social media that the National Police Agency will no longer allow such conversions for Chinese nationals without a resident record.

The post has ignited widespread attention. According to Kono, the police have made it clear that foreign nationals without an official residence in Japan—specifically Chinese nationals—will no longer be permitted to switch to a Japanese license.

Kono's statement follows a report aired in October 2024 by the news program "It!" showing long queues of Chinese nationals at a driver's license center in Fuchu, Tokyo. Most were applying for what is known as a "foreign license conversion," a system that allows holders of overseas licenses to obtain a Japanese license by passing a written and practical test.

According to the National Police Agency, 56,022 foreigners obtained Japanese licenses through this system in 2023—more than double the number in 2014.

The issue lies in the ability to obtain a license even on a tourist visa, without a residency record. Many Chinese visitors have reportedly used the address of their hotel to apply, triggering concerns.

In one incident in August 2023, a Chinese tourist caused a rental car accident in Hokkaido. Traffic accidents involving drivers of Chinese nationality—including residents—have been rising annually.

Kono's remarks have sparked mixed reactions. Some Chinese tourists argue that the policy unfairly targets them. "Chinese people are the most active travelers today. If the rule bans all right-hand traffic countries or all of Asia, I could understand. But if it’s just China, it’s discriminatory," one visitor said.

Others, including Chinese residents in Japan, expressed support for tighter rules. "Road safety is important. Since China drives on the right and Japan on the left, a bit more training might be a good idea," one resident commented.

It remains unclear whether the restriction will apply solely to Chinese nationals without residency. The National Police Agency is currently reviewing the system with possible reforms under consideration.

Source: FNN

Shibuya Passes Plan for 2,000-Yen Fine for Littering

Shibuya Ward has approved an ordinance that would impose a 2,000-yen fine for littering on public streets, while also penalizing shops that fail to provide trash bins. The measure was passed on December 10th and targets both individuals who discard waste and businesses near major stations that offer takeout services, raising questions about whether the approach will meaningfully reduce trash on the streets.

Six-Time Women's Shogi Champ Challenges Maternity Restrictions

Shogi player Kana Fukuma, who currently holds six women’s titles, revealed on December 10th that she has submitted a formal request calling for revisions to the Japan Shogi Association’s rule that prevents players from competing in title matches during a set period before and after childbirth.

Popular Baby Names in Japan Reveal Cultural Shift

The most popular baby names of 2025 were led by Minato for boys and Sui for girls, according to rankings released by Meiji Yasuda Life, which highlighted continued enthusiasm for certain kanji characters and showed how naming trends have evolved since the survey began in the first year of the Taisho era.

Japan Issues Warning for Potential Large Aftershock

A powerful earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6+ struck Aomori late on December 8th, prompting the Meteorological Agency to issue a temporary tsunami warning for coastal areas along the Pacific side of the prefecture. While the warning has since been downgraded, the government is urging caution after authorities announced, for the first time, a heightened possibility of another large earthquake occurring off Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast.

Japan Adjusts Plan to Raise Departure Tax to 3,000 yen

A plan to sharply raise Japan’s departure tax is taking shape as the government and ruling coalition have begun coordinating a proposal to lift the current 1,000 yen levy to a flat 3,000 yen per person in next fiscal year’s tax reform, adding new momentum to calls for expanded funding to deal with overtourism across the country.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Abe Akie Makes First Court Appearance

Abe Akie appeared at the Nara District Court on December 3rd for the lay judge trial of the shooting that killed former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, marking the first time she has attended proceedings in person. Akie arrived in the courtroom shortly after 1 p.m. wearing a navy jacket and bowed toward the gallery as she entered, while the court continued a scheduled witness examination of Sakurai Yoshihide, a religious scholar and specially appointed professor at Hokkaido University.

LDP and Ishin Agree on 10 Percent Cut to Lower House Seats

The Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin have agreed on a framework to ensure the effectiveness of legislation aimed at reducing the number of seats in the House of Representatives, deciding that if no conclusion is reached within one year, roughly 10 percent of seats across both single-member districts and proportional representation blocs will be cut.

Komeito Leader Presents New Vision Focused on Centrist Reform

Komeito leader Saito told senior members of the party’s regional organizations that, following the party’s departure from its coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party, he intends to establish a new party vision centered on centrist reform by the time of the party convention next autumn, saying in the meeting that he is determined to raise the banner of centrist reform high within Japanese politics and open up a new horizon by serving as a unifying axis across the ruling and opposition blocs.

How the Japanese Right Wing Became Mainstream in Japanese Society

"For many years, criticizing politicians for being 'soft on China' has been an effective tactic.

Chinese Embassy Again Urges People to Refrain From Traveling to Japan

The Chinese Embassy in Japan reiterated its call for citizens to refrain from traveling to the country after issuing a renewed advisory on November 26th, warning on social media that those already in Japan should take extra precautions to stay safe as embassy officials report a rise in requests for assistance from Chinese nationals who say they have faced discrimination since July.

Beijing Media Attacks Japan's Approach to Dialogue

China’s Communist Party–affiliated media has sharply criticized Prime Minister Takai’s stated willingness to continue dialogue with Beijing, calling the approach “hypocritical and meaningless.”

From “Existential Crisis” to Nuclear Ambitions: What Is Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Trying to Do?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked uproar after declaring in parliament that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could qualify as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan—language that would allow Tokyo to exercise collective self-defense, including potential military action.

Japan–China Tensions Deepen as Cancellations Surge

Tensions between Japan and China have escalated rapidly following remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi in the Diet regarding a potential contingency involving Taiwan, prompting Beijing to introduce a series of countermeasures including a call for citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, with the impact already spreading across the Kansai region’s economy.

< 2 3 4 5 >