For many people around the world, it’s an automatic reaction to buckle up whenever you get into a vehicle. However there are still many countries where, despite having the laws in place, there isn’t much of an awareness of the tragic consequences failing to strap yourself in can have…that’s where Taylor Swift comes in.
seat belt
If you’ve ever lived in Japan, chances are you’ve seen a little three-year-old climbing around the inside of their parent’s car…while the vehicle was in motion. To those in other countries where seatbelt and child safety harness laws are strictly enforced, this might be shocking to hear, but this situation happens more often than you might think. In fact, Japan didn’t have a mandatory seat belt law for rear passengers until 2008.
But even an official law doesn’t seems to deter Japanese drivers from not buckling up when it comes to the backseat. That’s why the Japan Automotive Federation along with the National Police Agency published the results of a 2013 survey detailing exactly how many people use their car’s most important safety device.


Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Drift ice in Japan is a disappearing winter miracle you need to see now
Eevee returns to Japan’s famous Tokyo Banana, bundled with a cute tote bag
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Kawaguchi’s mascot Cupolan doesn’t mind that you think it looks like a turd
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Kawaguchi’s mascot Cupolan doesn’t mind that you think it looks like a turd
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Boy entering all-girls high school creates real-life harem anime
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
A foray into canned food with Jasmine Rice & Thai Curry in a can from Japan’s Inaba Foods
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan