Pedestrian Hell (6/1投稿記事「歩行者地獄」の翻訳）
Under road traffic laws, you must slow down and be able to stop if needed when approaching pedestrian or bicycle crossings, unless, of course, there is clearly nobody in sight. However, in 2021 the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) presented a study that showed around 70% of drivers do not stop before said crossings. In my years of living in France, cars always stopped when I was at a crossing. As I had gotten used to this, shortly after returning to Japan, I encountered quite dangerous situations. In terms of Japanese roads, besides pedestrian-only roads referred to as Pedestrian Heavens, walking can be seen as Pedestrian Hell. Therefore, in Japanese schools, they instruct students to thoroughly ensure that no cars are approaching and that they can safely cross.
After years of being back in Japan, it is still a habit (and me respecting the rules) to stop before a crossing if anyone is there. As the hours during which I commute to work overlap with the hours in which many students go to and from school, I often see elementary school students waiting by intersections. When I stop, the students will lean their heads out, check if any other cars are approaching, and then cross. As they cross, they often look in my direction and give a little bow of the head， although going to that extent is unnecessary. All elementary school students are cute, of course, but the polite ones have to be the cutest. In France, pedestrian traffic is given a priority, so a car stopping is an ordinary thing, and these kinds of things do not happen.
The police are now cracking down on matters, promoting and informing people on the matter to give top priority to pedestrians at intersections without traffic lights. If police continue promoting awareness, priority for pedestrians might be given, and if autonomous automobiles become widespread, that may be perfect. If that happens, it might become a thing of the past to see that charming custom of someone peeking their head in your direction and giving a polite little bow as they cross, but given the circumstances, that is okay with me.
