A number of vehicles are reported to be stranded on the Sanyo Expressway, leading to heavy traffic congestion. The exact cause for the sudden gridlock is currently unknown, but authorities are en route to alleviate the situation. Commuters are advised to avoid the route if possible until further notice. No casualties are reported so far, but an official update from the local traffic control department is awaited.

In Japan, traffic jams are a significant issue for urban areas and expressways. Japanese society puts high emphasis on efficiency and punctuality, hence traffic standstill is a major inconvenience that disrupts everyday life. It also triggers speedy responses from authorities who strive to resolve the situation in the shortest possible time, representing the Japanese value of community service and public amenity.

While traffic congestion is a global problem, the way it is handled varies. In the US or EU, traffic jams are also treated with urgency. However, areas with more spread-out urban planning experience less frequent standstills. Emergency response might take longer due to larger geographical areas and less public transportation use.