Traffic Safety Event Hosted by Meiko Gijuku
Meiko Gijuku, a leading tutoring school in Japan, hosted an insightful traffic safety event for families on September 23, 2025, in Nagoya. This event coincided with the nationwide traffic safety campaign held every autumn, aimed at raising awareness about safe commuting for children, safe cycling practices, and overall community safety. The event was conducted in partnership with the Hokubu Police Department in Aichi Prefecture.
Importance of Traffic Safety
As the days shorten in autumn, traffic accidents tend to increase due to adverse weather conditions and reduced visibility. The tutoring school considers creating a safe commuting environment as part of its educational mission, thereby supporting children’s healthy development. The organized event provided a valuable opportunity for community members to come together and learn about effective measures in traffic safety.
Event Details
- - Date: September 23, 2025, Tuesday
- - Venue: Meiko Gijuku Heian Street Classroom (1F, No.8 Suwa Building, 2-2-25 Heian, Kita-ku, Nagoya)
- - Participants: 25 students, parents, and instructors from the classroom
- - Agenda:
1.
10:00 - 10:30: Introduction to traffic rules concerning bicycle riding
2.
10:30 - 10:50: Bicycle safety inspections in the classroom parking area
3.
10:50 - 11:20: Continued discussion on traffic rules for cyclists
4.
11:20 - 11:30: Distribution of “Bicycle Safety Course Completion Certificates”
During the session, attendees learned crucial pedestrian and cycling rules, emphasized by police officers through engaging discussions and practical demonstrations. This hands-on approach ensured participants could relate these lessons to their everyday lives, fostering a sense of personal responsibility for their safety.
Key Topics Covered
One of the highlights was a presentation by Officer Kato, who introduced the “Four Lefts” principle: riding on the left side, standing on the left, mounting from the left, and braking from the left. This foundational knowledge was further enriched by visual aids showing the meanings of various signs and traffic signals. The mantra of “look left and right even on green” and “stop on yellow” made a significant impact on the audience's understanding of crucial safety behaviors.
To consolidate the learning, a practical bicycle inspection session was held on the pedestrian walkway outside the classroom. Participants checked their bicycles’ bells, brakes, and tire pressure, reinforcing the importance of regular maintenance in preventing accidents.
Real-World Scenario Learning
The latter part of the program was led by Officer Ito, who shared actual accident case studies emphasizing the necessity of wearing helmets. His firsthand accounts resonated deeply with the audience, as attendees listened attentively to the grave lessons associated with road safety. Using the classroom space, participants were guided to experience a simulation of vehicle speeds at crosswalks lacking traffic signals. This experiential learning effectively illustrated potential dangers, leaving a lasting impression on all present.
Finally, a quiz prepared by the police was conducted, and every participant received a “Bicycle Safety Course Completion Certificate,” acknowledging their commitment to safer cycling practices.
Future Initiatives
As the leader of the Tokai and Hokuriku Company, Keiichi Matsuo remarked on the importance of such seminars for empowering children to take responsibility for their safety. The engagement from students and the positive feedback from parents highlighted the event’s success, with many expressing intentions to promote helmet use at home. The collaborative effort between the tutoring school and local police has fostered a cohesive approach to traffic safety education involving children, families, and educators. Looking ahead, Meiko Gijuku plans to continue these community-oriented safety awareness initiatives to support the well-being and growth of local children as part of its educational mission.