Japan never ceases to amaze...
The other day, it was time for the periodic vehicle inspection (called 'shaken') of our car, which is mandatory every two years. Once done, they slap a sticker on the windscreen to certify the car has passed the inspection and is roadworthy. So far, so good.
A few days later, the dealership rang to say the certificate was ready, and I should drop by to get the sticker affixed. So, I went there. But when the employee proceeded to attach the sticker on the driver's side, I stopped him, saying I didn't want it obstructing my view. I asked him to put it in the usual place where it wouldn't be a nuisance. Only to be told that it was now required by law to place it on the driver's side...
After returning home and doing some research, I discovered that, indeed, the 'Shaken ' sticker must now be placed on the upper corner of the windscreen - on the driver side. Apparently this placement is to ensure that it is clearly visible to both the driver and authorities...
Well, it is visible to the driver all right! Annoyingly so...
Ironically, there's another law prohibiting stickers on the rear window of your car, as they might obstruct the view...
Makes sense, right? Because while driving, we spend way more time looking through the rear window than the front windscreen!
While searching online, I stumbled upon another mind-boggling traffic law: Until the 1960s, red and white cars were not allowed in Japan! Why? Because these colours could confuse drivers, mistaking them for emergency vehicles like fire trucks, police cars and ambulances. So, it could be easy to mix up which vehicles to give way to without being super observant... Glad that crazy legislation didn't survive!
Other seemingly silly laws still exist, though.
For example, it's illegal to put ice cream in mailboxes. Not that I ever felt the urge, but now I know I could be jailed for up to 5 years or fined up to USD 3,000 for doing so. Good to know...
And while we're on the topic of mail, it's also illegal to hand your neighbour's misaddressed mail to them. It may sound like a normal and helpful thing to do, but Article 42 of the Postal Law begs to differ and is reportedly meant to protect the privacy of both the sender and recipient. So, if misaddressed mail appears in your mailbox, you're supposed to send it back and let the post office handle it.
Looks like I've inadvertently broken the law on several occasions... Just don't tell anyone!
And then there's the legal requirement for Japanese citizens to notify the government before visiting Antarctica. Most governments wouldn't care about your holiday plans, but in Japan, you need to inform them if you're going to Antarctica, due to a treaty pledging to keep Antarctica safe from environmental harm.
For sightseeing purposes, a form must be submitted and approved by the Ministry of Environment prior to travel. A research expedition, however, will require the participant to apply for certification instead. Failing to do so could cost you up to USD 3,000 in fines.
Good thing I don't have Japanese citizenship, so I reckon the law doesn't apply to me.
Of course, I'm as unlikely to plan a trip to Antarctica as I am tempted to squeeze ice cream through the slit of a mailbox... I just hope the authorities won't penalise me for the sticker on the back of my car...
😂