Japan's helmet use rises, albeit slightly

One of the cultural adjustments I've made over my years in Japan has been around cycling. Back home in Australia, helmets are non-negotiable, and you wear one or you risk both a fine and some serious side-eye from other riders. Here in Japan, helmet use is still more of a suggestion than a rule, even after the 2023 law revision that made it a "duty of effort."

Part of the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan's most famous cycling routes

The National Police Agency says helmet use is on the rise, and is now sitting at 21.2% nationwide. Some prefectures, like Ehime, are setting the standard with more than 70% compliance, while places like Osaka are still lagging at around 7%. The stats are sobering, with over half of cycling deaths here involving head injuries, and riders without helmets 1.7 times more likely to suffer serious trauma.

And yet...I'll admit it. Living here, I've adapted, and I ride to the station or the supermarket without a helmet more often than not. It feels strangely normal when everyone else around you is doing the same. I do wonder if Japan will eventually move closer to Australia's stricter, safety-first approach, especially since life here is typically fairly orderly and rules-based.