Number of road traffic accidents caused by motorcycles in Japan 2014-2023

In 2023, around 6.01 thousand road traffic accidents caused by motorcycles were reported in Japan, down from about 9.92 thousand accidents in 2014. Partly prompted by stricter penalties for traffic law offenses, accidents have shown a continuous downward trend in Japan for years. 

Are Japan’s roads safe?

Japanese roads are comparably safe due to several factors ensuring responsible driving, such as meticulous traffic regulations, a license point system, seatbelt usage, and modern vehicles in use. Concurrent to the low number of motorcycle accidents, injuries stemming from accidents involving motorcycles also decreased over the past decade. A contributing factor might be the preference for smaller engines, making accidents less likely due to lower speeds and a lighter machine weight, allowing easier handling.

Who is to blame for "road rage"?

Japan revised its road rage law in summer 2020, the amended Road Traffic Act now imposing stricter penalties for aggressive driving and road rage. Obstructive driving and malicious behavior are punishable even without casualties with up to three years of penal servitude and 500 thousand Japanese yen. Despite the penalties and a record low of domestic road traffic accidents, road rage incidents continue to make headlines in Japan and preoccupy the authorities. The National Police Agency (NPA) regularly denounces not only the notorious biker gangs called bōsōzoku, but also kyūshakai. These "classic bike gangs" often center around former bōsōzoku, but tuned classic motorcycles and likewise senior bikers characterize them. They are basically accused of the same misconducts, namely irresponsible driving and noise nuisance in large convoys, disturbing the peace.