Number of motorcycles in use in Japan 2010-2019
In 2019, there were approximately 10.5 million motorbikes in use in Japan, down from about 12.5 million motorcycles in 2010. The development over the past decade indicates a slow, yet consistent decrease of motorcycles owned in Japan.
The Japanese motorcycle landscape
The domestic motorcycle market is dominated by the Big Four, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, splitting the lion’s share of bike sales between them. Among Japanese motorcycle owners, there is a strong preference for lighter machines with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cc, while most larger engine bikes produced in the country are shipped to motorcycle dealers abroad.
Road safety for motorcyclists in Japan
The number of motorcycle accidents in Japan continues to decrease, following an overall downwards trend of road traffic accidents in the country. Additionally, an amendment of the country’s Road Traffic Act implemented in mid-2020 imposed more severe penalties for acts of aggressive driving and road rage. Under the revised law, obstructive driving and malicious behavior on the road is now punishable, even in the absence of accidents.
The Japanese motorcycle landscape
The domestic motorcycle market is dominated by the Big Four, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, splitting the lion’s share of bike sales between them. Among Japanese motorcycle owners, there is a strong preference for lighter machines with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cc, while most larger engine bikes produced in the country are shipped to motorcycle dealers abroad.
Road safety for motorcyclists in Japan
The number of motorcycle accidents in Japan continues to decrease, following an overall downwards trend of road traffic accidents in the country. Additionally, an amendment of the country’s Road Traffic Act implemented in mid-2020 imposed more severe penalties for acts of aggressive driving and road rage. Under the revised law, obstructive driving and malicious behavior on the road is now punishable, even in the absence of accidents.
