Foreign License Conversion Issues and Their Impact in Japan
Japan’s system for converting foreign driver’s licenses to Japanese licenses (“Gaimen Kirikae”) has seen rapid adoption by Chinese tourists and short-term residents.
This process is simpler and cheaper than Japan’s standard driving-school route, leading to widespread use.
However, simplified testing and relaxed procedures have contributed to increased traffic accidents and diminished the international credibility of Japanese licenses. Below is a structured analysis of the core issues.
Ease of Conversion and Accident Surge
Simplified Conversion Mechanism
- Low exam difficulty: Written tests use true/false format, requiring only 7/10 correct answers. Practical exams are passable in a single attempt13.
- Tourist visa access: No residence certificate needed; hotel addresses suffice as proof of stay1.
- Low cost: Conversion costs ≈¥10,600 (including translation), far cheaper than driving schools (≈¥300,000)4.
Accident Statistics and Causes
- Data: Chinese drivers caused 100+ additional accidents annually since 2023. 2024 saw hit-and-runs (Saitama) and highway wrong-way crashes (Mie)13.
- Root causes:
- Inadequate training despite Japan’s left-hand vs. China’s right-hand traffic differences.
- Long wait times (months) for practical exams lead to poor driving skills.
- Recent incidents: March 2025—Chinese tourist arrested for 144km/h speeding in Hokkaido.
International Impact: Devaluation of Japanese Licenses
Misuse by Chinese Drivers
- “Reverse import” loophole: Chinese nationals obtain Japanese licenses → convert to international permits via Geneva Convention → drive in 100+ countries (including Australia)13.
- Consequences for Japanese:
- Global perception of Japanese licenses as “low quality” due to lax testing.
- Australians question mutual recognition; local media criticize Japan’s system.
- Quantitative impact: 2023 conversions—11,247 Chinese (20% of total), second only to Vietnam.
Policy Background: Iwaya’s Preferential Treatment
Iwaya’s Role and Deregulation
- 2023 relaxation: National Police Agency simplified procedures (November 2023) to attract foreign workers13.
- Minister Iwaya’s influence:
- As a Komeito member, he advocated for tourist visa holders’ access to licenses.
- Supported policies allowing hotel addresses as “proof of residence.”
- Political backlash: March 2025—Diet debates cited conversion ease as accident cause; Kono Taro proposed banning non-resident conversions.
Countermeasures and Reforms
Government Actions
- Stricter requirements:
- Increase written test questions and difficulty.
- Mandate residence certificates; ban tourist visa conversions.
- Enhance practical exam rigor.
- Police stance: Acknowledged “unexpected misuse”; reforms planned for 2025.
Global Credibility Restoration
- Align license standards with international norms (e.g., Australia).
- Review bilateral agreements to prevent mutual recognition erosion.
Summary
Japan’s license conversion system, designed for foreign workers, became exploitable due to simplified exams and lax residency rules—enabling Chinese tourists to obtain licenses easily.
This triggered domestic accidents and devalued Japanese licenses globally. Minister Iwaya’s policies exacerbated the issue, prompting ongoing reforms to balance safety and international trust.
Comments