Originally Posted by
LapLap
Since referring to websites seems more important than taking into account our own experiences and opinions, here's a link to a site previously posted by
jib71 on some of those awful driving habits (that certainly lead to many accidents if not world breaking fatality records)
http://www.thejapanfaq.com/bikerfaq-intro.html
Goodness knows how many electricity poles within Tokyo side streets would be brought down if drivers had the opportunity to slam into them at more than 20kmph speeds...
That book is from 1989, 20 years ago. Not to mention it's about motorcycles. I would hazard a guess that many motorcyclists are crazier than average and that drivers are not aware of motorcycles at all times just because it's hard to see the bikes. Also, is it really surprising that taxi drivers go across several lanes to pick up fares?
Further, the guy in the link you provided wrote that
"Japan is no more dangerous than other countries for motorcyclists - possibly less so because the speed limits are so low - but you must be aware of a few idiocies that persist."
Japan does not have "world breaking fatality records." I don't discount your personal experiences but the statistics speak for themselves and Japan is not breaking any world fatality records. It's too bad that you have had to see many accidents but they're not as common as you think.