Starting from September 1st, Japan is reducing the legally permissible speed on residential roads nationwide from 40km/h to 30km/h. The move is part of the country's nationwide push for enhanced road safety, particularly in residential areas where children and other pedestrians frequent. The Japanese government expects that the new regulation will reduce the number of accidents and improve safety for all road users.

In Japan, road safety is greatly valued both in legislation and public sentiment. There has been an ongoing national conversation around enhancing safety aspects, particularly in residential areas which are often shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. The speed limit reduction is seen as a proactive step toward diminishing accidents and enhancing the overall safety of local communities.

In the US and EU, speed limits are commonly set locally and may also be lower in residential areas for safety reasons. However, specific speed restrictions can vary widely depending on the local laws and road conditions. In many parts of Europe and the US, established speed limits in residential areas are already at or below 30km/h (20 mph).