Vehicles yielding for pedestrians at unlighted crossings is obligatory, with a point deducted for each offense. However, police almost never enforce the law. (In my hometown in California, plainclothes cops pass repeatedly over problem crosswalks with backup pulling over infringers.)
JAF notes that Kumamoto ranks among the lowest amongst prefectures for drivers following this rule. Nagano was highest, with 69% of drivers giving pedestrians priority; adherence seems to fall as one moves south (maybe lack of snow?). Kyushu prefectures bottomed out the list: only 11% of Kumamoto drivers yield to pedestrians (and this includes cyclists), far below the 20% national average, which in and of itself is shockingly low.
Know your rights. If you raise your hand to indicate you intend to enter a marked crossing and are hit, the fault is always with the driver. Stats at the link, and please share your personal experiences in the comments section. - William
