Story perspectives

Japan's Traffic Deaths Hit Record Low, Yet Goals Missed

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, Japan recorded 2,547 traffic fatalities, lowest since 1948, per police data released January 6, 2025.
The figure marks a 4.4% drop from 2024 but misses the government's target of under 2,000 deaths.
People 65 and older accounted for 55.9% of fatalities.
Jiro Akama, head of the National Public Safety Commission, expressed regret.
He announced plans to boost traffic-safety education and tighten enforcement against drunk driving and smartphone use.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 2025, Japan recorded 2,547 traffic fatalities, lowest since 1948, per police data released January 6, 2025.
The figure marks a 4.4% drop from 2024 but misses the government's target of under 2,000 deaths.
People 65 and older accounted for 55.9% of fatalities.
Jiro Akama, head of the National Public Safety Commission, expressed regret.
He announced plans to boost traffic-safety education and tighten enforcement against drunk driving and smartphone use.