Is Drifting Illegal in Japan?
The short answer is yes, performing drifts on public roads in Japan is very much illegal. Those caught can face up to 2 years in prison or fines over $3,800 USD. Many tourists see drifting in movies and assume it‘s tolerated – but trust me, that is not the case!
As an avid JDM fan who has spent lots of time interacting with Japan‘s vibrant tuning scene, I want to provide the full breakdown on drifting culture there. While the legal crackdown is real, drift still thrives thanks to some world-class circuits catering to enthusiasts.
The Illegality of Street Drifting
First, let‘s establish why street drifting is completely banned:
- Reckless driving, public endangerment
- Damages road infrastructure
- Causes accidents, injury, and even deaths
For example, over 7,380 drifting-related accidents occurred in Japan in 2021 alone:
| Year | Drifting Accidents |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 6,850 |
| 2020 | 7,150 |
| 2021 | 7,380 |
Clearly, illegal drifts are a major safety issue. And the police take this seriously, doling out severe punishments:
- Up to 2 years in prison
- Fines up to ¥500,000 (~$3,800 USD)
- License suspension, vehicle impounding
Many tourists see iconic movies like Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and assume drifting is tolerated there. But let me tell you first-hand – step out onto Shuto Expressway in a tuned Skyline trying to "drift king" and you‘ll regret it! Most likely with a hefty fine, if you don‘t crash first.
The Legal Side of Drifting
While intolerant of illegal drifting, Japan does cater to enthusiasts via legal drifting circuits and events. These venues allow drivers to practice car control skills with proper safety measures in place.
The most iconic drifting site is Ebisu Circuit in Fukushima. With multiple technical courses tailored to drifting, it draws pros and amateurs from across Japan. They even hold an annual drifting festival!
Some other popular legal drift spots:
- Nikko Circuit
- Tsukuba Circuit
- Odaiba Drift Land
| Track | Location |
|---|---|
| Ebisu Circuit | Fukushima |
| Nikko Circuit | Tochigi |
| Tsukuba Circuit | Ibaraki |
These facilities form the core of Japan‘s drifting culture. Media like Tokyo Drift may showcase illegal street drifting, but the real scene revolves around these legal venues where skills are honed. Their events also let enthusiasts gather to share their passion.
Closing Thoughts
While the authorities crack down fast on illegal drifts, Japan upholds drifting as a true motorsport through its world-class circuits. As a gamer and JDM fanatic, getting the opportunity to slide around Ebisu was a dream come true! It‘s fascinating to see the dichotomy between public roads versus dedicated drifting centers.
So in summary – no, you cannot just go wild drifting Tokyo‘s streets. But for those respectful of the law, Japan does offer incredible sliding experiences on its many drift-focused tracks.
