One of world's 'friendliest' countries hits tourists with new rule - starts this week

The new rules will come into effect from Tuesday. 10:42, Wed, Sep 2, 2026 Updated: 10:44, Wed, Sep 2, 2026 Drivers on residential roads in Japan have been forced to take their foot off the accelerator (Image: Getty)One of the world's friendliest countries has reduced the speed limit from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 30 km/h in an effort to decrease the number of pedestrian deaths and injuries on narrow urban streets. Japan ranks 21st in the World Population Review's list of the world's friendliest countries.The new rules will come into effect from Tuesday and are applicable to residential roads with no centre line or maximum speed signs, it has been reported. Under the new rules, speed restrictions will cover approximately 870,000 kilometres of roads that are less than 5.5 metres wide and do not ha