Key Facts
• On September 11, a driving license renewal lecture in Chiba sparked controversy.
• An instructor allegedly said, “Foreigners can just watch the video; Japanese should listen seriously.”
• A participant posted the incident on X (formerly Twitter), leading to widespread criticism.
• The post garnered nearly 20 million views by September 12.
• Complaints flooded the Chiba Driving License Center, accusing the statement of being discriminatory.
• The center clarified the remarks were misunderstood but admitted they may have caused confusion.
• The instructor reportedly aimed to explain that videos include subtitles for non-Japanese speakers.
• The participant claimed the instructor repeated the statement and expressed concerns about safety risks.
• The center pledged to guide instructors to avoid future misunderstandings.
Summary
A driving license renewal lecture at the Chiba Driving License Center on September 11 caused public outrage after a participant claimed an instructor made discriminatory remarks. The instructor allegedly stated that foreigners could simply watch the video while Japanese attendees should listen attentively. The incident was shared on X (formerly Twitter), amassing nearly 20 million views and sparking criticism of both the instructor and the center. Complaints accused the remarks of being discriminatory and neglecting proper guidance for foreign attendees. The center clarified that the comments were misinterpreted but acknowledged the potential for misunderstanding. They emphasized that videos are typically equipped with subtitles for non-Japanese speakers. The participant, however, insisted the remarks were repeated and expressed concerns about future safety risks. In response, the center committed to improving instructor communication to prevent similar issues.
