A recent trend in Japan's car-sharing industry has seen an increasing number of vehicles being returned with empty gas tanks, creating a widespread inconvenience for following users. Despite service providers urging customers to refuel before returning the car, the problem persists. Companies are grappling with how to implement and enforce rules to ensure customer compliance.

In Japan, a spirit of mutual consideration for others forms part of the social fabric. This, however, is being put to the test in the realm of car sharing. Japanese users are divided between the expectation of corporate responsibility to provide a ready-to-use service and the users’ responsibility to ensure the same service quality for the next person.

In the US and EU, car-sharing companies often require users to return vehicles with at least a quarter tank of gas, or face additional charges. This issue is not as prevalent due to these more stringent regulations and enforcement mechanisms.