#Japan #Kyoto #Toyota Mobility #Arashiyama #Kyoto Police

Collaborative Efforts for Improved Road Safety in Kyoto

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), chaired by Akio Toyoda, has recently entered a partnership agreement with the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, led by Chief Yoshikoshi Kiyoto. The collaboration also includes major players such as Toyota Motor Corporation, represented by President Koji Sato, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., and JTB Corporation, in efforts aimed at reducing traffic accidents in the scenic Arashiyama area.

Background of the Initiative

As Kyoto witnesses a surge in tourist numbers, the city faces the increasing challenge of traffic accidents along roads shared with both tourists and local residents. Arashiyama, in particular, stands out as a prime attraction that draws visitors from around the globe, leading to traffic congestion and heightened risks of accidents. With the interplay between tourist traffic and local life becoming more complex, the need for effective safety measures has never been more crucial.

In response, this initiative aims to model collaborative efforts that integrate data from public and private sectors to address traffic accidents and to pave the way for innovative traffic safety solutions specifically tailored to tourist destinations.

Specific Initiatives

The following points outline the specific strategies that will be employed to enhance safety and reduce accidents:

1. Analyzing Traffic Flow of Tourists and Locals

JTB will spearhead efforts in understanding and analyzing the dynamics of tourist and local movements in the Arashiyama area:

• - Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of differences in traffic flow based on time, density of highly trafficked areas, and the characteristics of visitors, including the transportation means they utilize.
• - Effective Information Dissemination: Develop and disseminate information that not only promotes safety but also helps alleviate congestion, while assessing the impact and behavioral changes resulting from such information campaigns.

2. Reducing Traffic Accidents on Local Roads

The collaboration among Kyoto Police, Toyota, Tokio Marine, and JTB will yield integrated data analysis focused on local road safety:

• - Traffic Conditions Assessment: Identify and analyze the use of local roads as shortcuts and the frequency of non-resident usage thereof.
• - Visualization and Analysis of Accident Risk: Identify and analyze accident-prone locations through comprehensive data integration.

Distribution of Roles

Among the involved parties, the following roles have been designated to bolster the effectiveness of the initiative:

• - Kyoto Prefectural Police: Responsible for providing and analyzing traffic accident statistics, improving road conditions, and disseminating safety information.
• - Toyota Motor Corporation: Offers car-related data and analytics to aid in the initiative.
• - Tokio Marine & Nichido: Delivers damage insurance data to better understand the implications of traffic incidents.
• - JTB Corporation: Works on gathering and analyzing tourism-related data as well as driving public awareness about traffic safety.
• - Toyota Mobility Foundation: Plays a role in overarching project support and coordination among all parties involved.

Timeline of the Initiative

The partnership is set to last from August 29, 2025, to March 31, 2026, to implement proposed strategies with the goal of producing meaningful outcomes by the conclusion of the project.

Project Vision

The project draws its inspiration from the historical perspective of how roads, known as "michi," were originally unpaved and facilitated mutual respect among travelers. In essence, the goal is to promote a harmonious coexistence of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles in Kyoto, a city of one thousand years. The initiative aims to reclaim the fundamental purpose of roads, creating an environment where traffic accidents are drastically reduced, thereby leading to safe residential roads.

Toyota has long aimed at fostering a rich society through its business activities, and when it established TMF in August 2014, it further solidified its dedication to contributing to a better society through mobility. TMF is focusing on various projects worldwide, aimed at addressing mobility challenges and paving the way for innovative solutions.

Conclusion

Through the collaborative efforts of various organizations under the TMF umbrella, the project seeks not just to tackle immediate traffic concerns in Arashiyama but also to establish a blueprint for future safety measures applicable in tourist-heavy areas worldwide.