Foreign driver crashes raise questions over Japan's license policy

Easy conversions fuel demand, leaving authorities scrambling to keep pace

20250604 driving school in Japan

Students undergo practical training at a driving school in Japan, where obtaining a license is both costly and time-consuming. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)

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TOKYO -- Recent traffic accidents involving foreign drivers in Japan have drawn attention to the country's driver's license conversion system, prompting calls for reform.

See Wen from Malaysia visited Japan with her family in February and rented a car to travel to several tourist destinations, including the scenic mountain city of Karuizawa, in central Japan's Nagano prefecture. It was her first time driving in the country.

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