ROADS in JAPAN

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The Next Stage for Roads

Japan reached a high level of maturity as a society in the present age and awareness regarding roads are reaching greater levels of diversity and sophistication. The task is to promote road development that will be passed on to future generations for decades and centuries from now.


The development of space that enhances the functions of “gathering” such as parking and rest is being developed in addition to the emphasis on the “flow” of traffic. The “Road-side Station” is characteristic of this and is being implemented nationwide following an initial registration of 103 stations in 1993.

Under the limited budgetary resources and dwindling birthrates/aging population, road development will be promoted in order to eliminate negative legacies such as rapid increase of traffic congestion, frequency of traffic accidents and air pollution to meet the diverse and sophisticated needs of the nation.


In 1995, the Government of Japan positioned the informatization of roads/transport/vehicles under the public sector in the “Basic Policy for Promotion of Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society,” announcing ITS as a national project. The same year, the 2nd ITS World Congress was held in Yokohama and marked the start of ITS.

Under the changing circumstances of road improvement, in order to realize a better life for citizens, various measures will be promoted such as renewal of roads, utilizing IT, and promoting communication. Through the management of roads, we wish to carry on the spirit and heritage of road capital passed down from ancient times to future generations.