Kirk here with pedestrian crossing (oudan hodou; 横断歩道) news. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians waiting at a crosswalk not governed by a traffic light. However, it has frequently be pointed out on this page that not all drivers will stop for you. But, you may have noticed that the situation is improving; I’ve certainly noticed a change on my daily walks. The graph shows the increase percentage of drivers who stop, as required, at crosswalks. The numbers start in 2018, where those who stop properly are clearly in the minority. By 2022 the figure for Kumamoto in 57.3%, considerably higher than the national average of 39.8%.

I think the change is due to efforts of the police to actually enforce the law (amazing, isn’t it, what a little enforcement will do) and media efforts to help get the word out that stopping is important.

https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/police/171906.html

For some perspective, here’s a quote from William from 2019:

— start quote — 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. — end quote — https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02FHU3BG7TiL6icfkeo5znwRamesiRXM9hVGeP6PE2h4ZjXu9HWC5igzp6Lqa4Gg8Xl

The figures William quoted are reflected in this graph.

Here’s a post I did about a Kumanichi report written by graphic novelist Sean Micheal Wilson:

https://www.facebook.com/Kumamotoi/posts/pfbid02eQ2CYF87HchzikV5YEDnSHpRaEch9tJZA9GvMbaQt7VxWvP2Nx86DxyJzNZZWqqol

See? Kumamoto International isn’t just a lot of hot air. We’re making a difference (or, in this case at least, the direction our hot air is blowing in matches that of the local society ;) )!

P.S. I’ve noticed that compliance is not so good at night, where drivers assume that pedestrians have no reason to be out and about and that the roads are just for them. So, never assume that a car will stop for you, especially at night. Wait until you are sure they are stopping. Also, even though drivers are supposed to stop, I like to nod, wave or smile to show my appreciation and encourage them to keep it up. :)