OSAKA - A growing number of foreign nationals are converting their overseas driver's licenses into Japanese licenses through a process known as gaimen kirikae—a system that has come under scrutiny due to apparent loopholes and increasingly lax enforcement.
One man who took the written test said, "I got a perfect score after just an hour of study." Meanwhile, recent cases of wrong-way driving and hit-and-run accidents have raised alarms about the safety risks tied to this system, which, in some cases, has allowed people to obtain a license using a hotel address and even while on a tourist visa.
In Japan, gaimen kirikae refers to the license conversion system that allows foreigners holding valid driver’s licenses from abroad to obtain a Japanese license by passing a written and practical exam. In recent years, services assisting with the process have proliferated on Chinese e-commerce platforms, claiming to help users obtain Japanese licenses with minimal effort.
A collision earlier this month on the Shin-Mei Expressway in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, involved a wrong-way vehicle and led to the arrest of a Peruvian national, Rossy Cruz John Alias, on suspicion of fleeing the scene. Just days earlier, in Saitama Prefecture, another hit-and-run incident involving a Chinese national who was allegedly driving under the influence resulted in injury to an elementary school child. Both suspects had obtained their licenses in Japan through the gaimen kirikae process.
The number of foreign nationals converting their licenses in Japan has more than doubled in the past decade, with Vietnamese and Chinese applicants accounting for the largest share. One expert explained that while Chinese licenses are valid in only a dozen or so countries, a Japanese license can be used to apply for an international driving permit valid in nearly 100 countries—making it a backdoor route to global driving privileges.
At the Osaka Prefectural License Center, it was observed that on a single morning, about ten Chinese nationals, accompanied by interpreters or friends, arrived to convert their licenses. According to officials, reservations for conversion slots fill up within a single day. The written exam, which consists of ten questions requiring seven correct answers to pass, was described as extremely easy by one test-taker who studied for only an hour using sample questions found on social media.
Even those staying in Japan on short-term tourist visas have reportedly been able to acquire licenses, using hotel stays as proof of residence. A Chinese interpreter accompanying applicants said, "I've helped about 20 people so far, mostly international students or people here for work, but also some on tourist visas."
Online searches on Chinese platforms for "Japanese license" reveal dozens of services promising fast-track assistance. One such listing advertised a license conversion exam in Osaka for 169,000 yen. When contacted, a Chinese vendor said the process could be completed in about six months and confirmed that even without residency, applicants could proceed if they had proof of hotel accommodation.
When pressed on the legality, the vendor replied, "This is a legally recognized procedure. We also understand that Japan values traffic safety and hope the system will eventually strike a better balance."
One striking case showed a Chinese tourist's Japanese license listing a hotel as their registered address. Experts voiced concern that in the event of an accident or violation, it would be difficult to trace responsibility. One commentator said, "The bar for obtaining a license is far too low—it absolutely needs to be reviewed."
In response to growing concerns, Japan’s National Police Agency has begun considering tighter regulations, including requiring formal residency registration to verify addresses. In apparent anticipation of upcoming restrictions, Chinese websites have begun warning users that the "last chance" to obtain licenses under current rules may soon close.
The gaimen kirikae system highlights the need for urgent reform to reduce traffic incidents and restore trust in road safety enforcement. Although some have criticized the system for being too lenient, others warn against overgeneralizing. One panelist noted that many foreign residents genuinely need licenses to work and live in Japan, saying, "We must be careful not to vilify all foreign drivers based on a few cases."
Still, the current written test is considered too simple and fails to adequately assess a person’s understanding of Japanese road rules and culture. While the skills test remains strict—with a pass rate around 29%—calls are growing for raising the difficulty of the written portion as well.
As Japan moves toward tightening this system, it faces the challenge of balancing accessibility for legitimate foreign residents with the need to uphold traffic safety and regulatory integrity.
Source: KTV NEWS
