A junior high student was critically injured after being hit in a crosswalk, according to Japanese reports. The incident took place during daylight hours and it is currently unclear whether the driver will face charges. As is common in these cases, the local community and school are rallying to support the victim's family. The municipal government is also being urged to review the road safety measures in the area, particularly for students commuting to and from school.

Japan places significant emphasis on road safety and anything that threatens the safety of schoolchildren tends to be met with much concern. The incident also draws attention to the deeply rooted societal value placed on responsibility and accountability. In cases such as this, there's usually a call for responsible driving, adherence to traffic laws, and improved safety measures.

In the US or EU, similar issues would also be met with significant scrutiny and community concern. The law is generally very protective of pedestrians, particularly minors, and any failure to stop at a crosswalk can result in serious legal repercussions. It's also probable that there would be calls for improved road safety measures, specifically around schools.