Thu 02 April 2026:
Japan on Wednesday began enforcing new rules that penalize unsafe cycling behavior, including using a phone or holding an umbrella while riding.
Any cyclist aged 16 or older who commits violations such as using a mobile phone, wearing headphones, using an umbrella while riding, riding double, riding side by side, or failing to yield to pedestrians will receive a “blue ticket” (Aokippu). The fine must be paid at a bank or post office within the specified period using the provided payment notice, which will exempt the rider from criminal liability.
In addition, serious violations such as drunk cycling or causing a traffic accident will result in a “red ticket” (Akakippu). These cases will proceed through the criminal justice system, requiring payment of fines and leaving a criminal record.
The authorities have listed a total of 113 types of violations. The items above are just the ones most commonly overlooked. For full details, please refer to this link.
Under the amended law, police can bypass warnings and immediately issue fines for high-risk offenses, including looking at a screen mounted on a bicycle, according to Kyodo News.
Japan recorded 67,470 accidents involving cyclists last year, including 3,269 incidents involving both cyclists and pedestrians.
Fatal cases accounted for 356 of the total, while drunken cyclists were responsible for 87 cases that resulted in deaths or serious injuries.
Tax on heated tobacco products increases
The tax on heated tobacco products has increased. Previously the tax on such products was around 10% to 30% lower than on conventional cigarettes, so it will be raised in two stages, in April and October, with the additional tax revenue going toward strengthening national defense capabilities. Price increases reflecting the tax hike differ from company to company. For example, Philip Morris Japan Ltd., which sells the heated tobacco product “IQOS,” has raised prices on 50 brands by 40 to 50 yen (about 25 to 31 cents).
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Lowering parents’ school lunch fee burden
The burden of school lunch fees at public elementary schools nationwide has been reduced. Regardless of parental income, 5,200 yen (about $33) per child per month will be distributed from the national government to municipalities via prefectural governments, allowing municipalities to reduce the amount charged to parents for food costs. If monthly food costs exceed 5,200 yen, the excess can be collected from parents.
Tax on heated tobacco products increases
The tax on heated tobacco products has increased. Previously the tax on such products was around 10% to 30% lower than on conventional cigarettes, so it will be raised in two stages, in April and October, with the additional tax revenue going toward strengthening national defense capabilities. Price increases reflecting the tax hike differ from company to company. For example, Philip Morris Japan Ltd., which sells the heated tobacco product “IQOS,” has raised prices on 50 brands by 40 to 50 yen (about 25 to 31 cents).
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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