#Japan #Tokyo #Safety Awareness #Mika-chan #Tappi

Safety Awareness Campaign for Children

In an effort to increase safety among children near railway lines, the Japan Private Railway Association (JPRA), led by President Kenhiro Sugiyama, is initiating a significant campaign. This initiative will coincide with the "Autumn National Traffic Safety Movement," taking place from September 21 to September 30, 2025. The JPRA, which operates out of Chiyoda, Tokyo, has collaborated with 85 railway operators across the country to produce approximately 100,000 sets of safety awareness goods aimed at young children.

Purpose of the Campaign

The primary aim of this distribution is to prevent accidents related to children entering railway tracks and incidents involving objects placed on the tracks, which can disrupt train services. By targeting kindergartens and elementary schools along the railway lines, this campaign seeks to instill important safety practices in children who are at risk.

Since 2005, the JPRA has been dedicated to creating and distributing safety awareness materials tailored for children. This year's initiative hopes to amplify the impact of the biannual National Traffic Safety Movement, which takes place in spring and autumn, focusing on reducing traffic accidents nationwide. Ensuring children's safety at railway crossings is one of the JPRA’s main objectives, and the forthcoming distribution represents a continuation of this longstanding commitment.

What Will Be Distributed?

Among the materials distributed will be the unique "Mika-chan & Tappi's Fun Railway Book," a collaboration featuring the JPRA's official character, Mika-chan, and the character for Railway Day, Tappi. This engaging book is designed with a fun sugoroku (a traditional Japanese game similar to a board game), through which children can learn vital safety information regarding railway tracks and train crossings while enjoying the gameplay experience. The book measures 257mm by 182mm and consists of 8 pages, ensuring it is both informational and enjoyable for young readers.

Distribution Details

• - Timing: The distribution will primarily occur during the period of the Autumn National Traffic Safety Movement, which runs from ### September 21, 2025, to ### September 30, 2025.
• - Target Audience: The safety materials will be distributed to children situated near the railway lines served by the 85 railway operators (a detailed list is available in supplementary materials).
• - Total Number of Sets: The total distribution aims for approximately 100,000 sets to be made available to children.

Through this proactive approach, the JPRA hopes to not only educate children on the importance of railway safety but also foster a culture of awareness and respect for traffic rules. By partnering with educational institutions and engaging children in an enjoyable way, the campaign aspires to create a generation of more conscious and safety-oriented individuals. As this initiative unfolds, it will be fascinating to witness its impact on improving safety among young railway users in Japan.