TOKYO, May 14 (News On Japan) –
A rising variety of Chinese vacationers in Japan are changing their international driver’s licenses into Japanese ones by itemizing their lodge addresses as proof of residence, drawing criticism and prompting a coverage shift from authorities.
Former Digital Minister Taro Kono posted on social media that the National Police Agency will not enable such conversions for Chinese nationals with out a resident file.
The put up has ignited widespread consideration. According to Kono, the police have made it clear that international nationals with out an official residence in Japan—particularly Chinese nationals—will not be permitted to modify to a Japanese license.
Kono’s assertion follows a report aired in October 2024 by the news program “It!” exhibiting lengthy queues of Chinese nationals at a driver’s license heart in Fuchu, Tokyo. Most have been making use of for what is named a “foreign license conversion,” a system that permits holders of abroad licenses to acquire a Japanese license by passing a written and sensible check.
According to the National Police Agency, 56,022 foreigners obtained Japanese licenses by means of this technique in 2023—greater than double the quantity in 2014.
The difficulty lies within the potential to acquire a license even on a vacationer visa, with out a residency file. Many Chinese guests have reportedly used the handle of their lodge to use, triggering issues.
In one incident in August 2023, a Chinese vacationer brought on a rental automotive accident in Hokkaido. Traffic accidents involving drivers of Chinese nationality—together with residents—have been rising yearly.
Kono’s remarks have sparked combined reactions. Some Chinese vacationers argue that the coverage 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 customer stated.
Others, together with Chinese residents in Japan, expressed help for tighter guidelines. “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 stays unclear whether or not the restriction will apply solely to Chinese nationals with out residency. The National Police Agency is presently reviewing the system with doable reforms into consideration.
Source: FNN