Foreign residents in Japan are facing heightened transportation safety concerns following a series of fatal accidents and major rail service disruptions across the Tokyo metropolitan area and Osaka. These incidents underscore the importance of remaining vigilant while navigating Japan's typically reliable but occasionally disrupted transportation network. The most serious incident occurred in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, where a stolen display vehicle from a car dealership plowed into pedestrians at a crosswalk, killing two people and injuring nine others with varying degrees of severity. According to NHK, approximately a dozen pedestrians were crossing at the time when the vehicle crashed into the crosswalk and continued driving without significantly reducing speed. The shocking nature of this incident—involving a stolen display car used as a weapon—has raised questions about both vehicle security at dealerships and pedestrian safety at busy intersections throughout Tokyo. This tragedy follows another fatal incident in Osaka's Yodogawa Ward, where a 56-year-old truck driver was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death. The collision involved a motorcycle on a prefectural road on November 26, with the truck driver allegedly fleeing the scene after the impact. The motorcyclist died from injuries sustained in the crash. This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety awareness among commercial vehicle operators and the serious legal consequences of leaving an accident scene in Japan. For expats who rely on Japan's extensive rail network for daily commuting, service disruptions have also been significant. The JR Chuo Line Rapid Service, one of Tokyo's busiest commuter lines connecting Tokyo Station to Takao Station, suspended operations in both directions due to a passenger injury incident. According to JR East, full service was restored at 12:38 AM on November 27. Similarly, the JR Sobu Main Line experienced suspensions between Chiba Station and Naruto Station following a passenger injury incident at Higashi-Chiba Station on November 26, with service resuming shortly after 7:00 AM. These rail disruptions, typically caused by passenger accidents or medical emergencies, are unfortunately common occurrences on Japan's crowded rail network. While the term "passenger injury incident" (人身事故, jinshin jiko) is used by railway companies, these often involve serious situations including suicides or accidental falls onto tracks. For foreign residents, understanding that such incidents can cause cascading delays across multiple rail lines is essential for planning daily commutes and important appointments. Expats should take several practical precautions in light of these incidents. When crossing streets, remain alert even at designated crosswalks and avoid assuming all vehicles will stop—the Adachi incident demonstrates that unexpected dangers can occur even in controlled crossing environments. Download railway company apps such as JR East's official app or third-party services like Hyperdia to receive real-time service updates and plan alternative routes during disruptions. For those who cycle or ride motorcycles, the Osaka hit-and-run serves as a reminder to wear proper safety equipment and remain visible to larger vehicles, particularly trucks with significant blind spots. If involved in any traffic accident, never leave the scene—Japanese law requires all parties to remain and contact police immediately, with severe penalties for fleeing. While Japan maintains one of the world's safest transportation systems overall, these recent incidents remind foreign residents that vigilance remains essential. Understanding how to respond to service disruptions and maintaining awareness of road safety can help expats navigate Japan's transportation network more safely and confidently during their time in the country.