OSAKA, May 23 (News On Japan) –
A rising variety of international nationals are changing their abroad driver’s licenses into Japanese licenses by means of a course of often called gaimen kirikae—a system that has come underneath scrutiny as a consequence of obvious loopholes and more and more lax enforcement.
One man who took the written take a look at mentioned, “I got a perfect score after just an hour of study.” Meanwhile, latest instances of wrong-way driving and hit-and-run accidents have raised alarms in regards to the security dangers tied to this technique, which, in some instances, has allowed individuals to acquire a license utilizing a lodge handle and even whereas on a vacationer visa.
In Japan, gaimen kirikae refers back to the license conversion system that enables foreigners holding legitimate driver’s licenses from overseas to acquire a Japanese license by passing a written and sensible examination. In latest years, companies aiding with the method have proliferated on Chinese e-commerce platforms, claiming to assist customers acquire Japanese licenses with minimal effort.
A collision earlier this month on the Shin-Mei Expressway in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, concerned a wrong-way car and led to the arrest of a Peruvian nationwide, Rossy Cruz John Alias, on suspicion of fleeing the scene. Just days earlier, in Saitama Prefecture, one other hit-and-run incident involving a Chinese nationwide who was allegedly driving underneath the affect resulted in damage to an elementary college youngster. Both suspects had obtained their licenses in Japan by means of the gaimen kirikae course of.
The variety of international nationals changing their licenses in Japan has greater than doubled previously decade, with Vietnamese and Chinese candidates accounting for the most important share. One knowledgeable defined that whereas Chinese licenses are legitimate in solely a dozen or so nations, a Japanese license can be utilized to use for a global driving allow legitimate in practically 100 nations—making it a backdoor path to world driving privileges.
At the Osaka Prefectural License Center, it was noticed that on a single morning, about ten Chinese nationals, accompanied by interpreters or associates, arrived to transform their licenses. According to officers, reservations for conversion slots replenish inside a single day. The written examination, which consists of ten questions requiring seven appropriate solutions to move, was described as extraordinarily straightforward by one test-taker who studied for less than an hour utilizing pattern questions discovered on social media.
Even these staying in Japan on short-term vacationer visas have reportedly been capable of purchase licenses, utilizing lodge stays as proof of residence. A Chinese interpreter accompanying candidates mentioned, “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 companies promising fast-track help. One such itemizing marketed a license conversion examination in Osaka for 169,000 yen. When contacted, a Chinese vendor mentioned the method might be accomplished in about six months and confirmed that even with out residency, candidates may proceed if that they had proof of lodge lodging.
When pressed on the legality, the seller 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 hanging case confirmed a Chinese vacationer’s Japanese license itemizing a lodge as their registered handle. Experts voiced concern that within the occasion of an accident or violation, it might be tough to hint duty. One commentator mentioned, “The bar for obtaining a license is far too low—it absolutely needs to be reviewed.”
In response to rising issues, Japan’s National Police Agency has begun contemplating tighter laws, together with requiring formal residency registration to confirm addresses. In obvious anticipation of upcoming restrictions, Chinese web sites have begun warning customers that the “last chance” to acquire licenses underneath present guidelines might quickly shut.
The gaimen kirikae system highlights the necessity for pressing reform to scale back site visitors incidents and restore belief in highway security enforcement. Although some have criticized the system for being too lenient, others warn in opposition to overgeneralizing. One panelist famous that many international residents genuinely want licenses to work and reside in Japan, saying, “We must be careful not to vilify all foreign drivers based on a few cases.”
Still, the present written take a look at is taken into account too easy and fails to adequately assess an individual’s understanding of Japanese highway guidelines and tradition. While the talents take a look at stays strict—with a move charge round 29%—calls are rising for elevating the problem of the written portion as effectively.
As Japan strikes towards tightening this technique, it faces the problem of balancing accessibility for reputable international residents with the necessity to uphold site visitors security and regulatory integrity.
Source: KTV NEWS