Japan Sets 30-Kph Limit on Residential Roads

Aug 04, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The legal speed limit on many residential roads will be lowered from 60 kilometers per hour to 30 kph on September 1, as police urge drivers to recognize that pedestrians should take priority on narrow neighborhood streets.

The new limit will apply to relatively narrow roads without features such as a centerline or median separating opposing traffic.

Motorists caught traveling at 60 kph or faster on a residential road subject to the 30-kph limit may face up to six months in custody or a fine of up to 100,000 yen.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the revision was introduced because accidents on residential roads are more likely to result in death or serious injury.

"Drivers should remember that people have priority on residential roads and take particular care to drive safely even on familiar streets," an official from the department's Traffic Regulation Division said.

The Metropolitan Police Department plans to strengthen efforts to publicize the new rule and promote safe driving through traffic safety campaigns and other initiatives.

生活道路の法定速度を時速30キロに引き下げ

比較的狭い生活道路の法定速度が9月1日から時速60キロから30キロに引き下げられます。警察は、狭い生活道路では歩行者が優先されるという意識を持つようドライバーに呼びかけています。

日本将生活道路法定时速降至30公里

从9月1日起，日本许多较为狭窄的生活道路法定时速将由每小时60公里降至30公里。警方呼吁驾驶员认识到，在狭窄的居民区道路上应优先保障行人安全。

Source: TOKYO MX NEWS

Typhoon Forecast to Hit Western Japan During Silver Week

A tropical depression near the Mariana Islands was moving north-northwest at about 15 kilometers per hour as of 3 a.m. on September 16 and is expected to develop into a typhoon later in the day before potentially approaching the Pacific coast of eastern and western Japan with a storm-force wind zone during the latter half of the Silver Week holiday.

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.

Global Hawk Reconnaissance Drone Missing Off Tottori

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft went missing over international waters about 50 kilometers north of Tottori Prefecture on September 15, with floating debris and oil later found in the area where communications were lost.

Japan Aims to Launch First Fully Driverless Taxis in 2027

GO, Waymo and Nihon Kotsu said they aim to launch Japan's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo during 2027, using Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without a driver on board under specified conditions.

KAJIMA TREE Unveiled Six Months Before International Horticultural Expo

Kajima Corp. has unveiled the construction site of KAJIMA TREE, a roughly 60-meter wooden tower being built for the International Horticultural Expo that will open in March 2027.

MEDIA CHANNELS