Japan is confronting a series of transportation safety challenges as the year draws to a close, with a devastating highway accident in Gunma Prefecture and new bicycle traffic regulations set to take effect in April 2025. Foreign residents should be aware of these developments, particularly the upcoming changes to bicycle enforcement that will affect daily commuting. On December 26, a massive multi-vehicle collision on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, claimed two lives and injured 26 others, according to NHK. The accident involved more than 60 vehicles and resulted in extensive road closures that persisted well into December 27. The East Nippon Expressway Company worked throughout the day to remove vehicles from the scene, but as of late December 27, the downbound lanes remained closed with no clear timeline for reopening. The upbound lanes were eventually cleared, but the incident highlights the dangers of winter highway travel in mountainous regions. The scale of the accident—involving 67 vehicles according to some reports—underscores the chain-reaction nature of expressway collisions, particularly during winter conditions when visibility and road surfaces can deteriorate rapidly. For expats who regularly travel on Japan's expressway system, this incident serves as a critical reminder to exercise extreme caution during winter months, maintain safe following distances, and stay informed about weather conditions before embarking on highway journeys. Meanwhile, in urban areas, the National Police Agency is preparing for a significant shift in bicycle traffic enforcement. Starting in April 2025, cyclists who commit traffic violations will face a new "blue ticket" (aokippu) system that will result in monetary fines, according to NHK. This represents a substantial change from current enforcement practices and will bring bicycle violations more in line with motor vehicle traffic enforcement. In preparation for this change, the National Police Agency has developed age-specific guidelines for bicycle safety education to be implemented in homes and schools. These guidelines aim to improve compliance with traffic rules before the new penalty system takes effect. For foreign residents who rely on bicycles for daily transportation—a common practice in Japanese cities—understanding and following traffic rules will become financially consequential in just a few months. The timing of these safety initiatives coincides with another urban incident that occurred on December 27 near Namba Station in Osaka's Minami district. A passenger vehicle mounted the sidewalk and collided with multiple pedestrians, injuring three people including children, according to NHK. While injuries were reported as minor, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in busy urban areas. For expats living in Japan, these developments carry several practical implications. First, those who cycle regularly should familiarize themselves with Japanese bicycle traffic laws before April 2025. Common violations that may result in fines include riding through red lights, cycling on sidewalks where prohibited, riding while using smartphones, and cycling under the influence of alcohol. The new enforcement system will likely target these specific behaviors. Second, winter travel on expressways requires heightened awareness and preparation. The Kan-Etsu Expressway accident demonstrates how quickly conditions can deteriorate and how severe the consequences can be. Expats planning winter travel should monitor weather forecasts, consider alternative transportation methods during adverse conditions, and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires when required. Third, pedestrian vigilance remains essential in urban areas, particularly in crowded entertainment districts like Osaka's Namba area. Even on sidewalks, maintaining awareness of surrounding traffic can prevent accidents. As Japan continues to refine its transportation safety measures, foreign residents should stay informed about regulatory changes and exercise appropriate caution whether traveling by bicycle, car, or on foot. The combination of stricter enforcement and ongoing safety concerns suggests that 2025 will bring increased focus on transportation safety across all modes of travel.