Traffic War Ceasefire Day

What Is Traffic War Ceasefire Day?

October 3rd is "Traffic War Ceasefire Day" in Japan. On this day in 1971, Hachioji City in Tokyo carried out Japan's first "No Car Day," under the slogan "a one-day ceasefire in the traffic war." The day marks the start of efforts to ask people to leave their cars at home and use public transportation.

No Car Day, Born in an Era of "Traffic War"

Toward the end of Japan's high-growth era, a surge in private cars made traffic accidents, congestion and air pollution so serious that people spoke of a "traffic war." Meanwhile, ridership on streetcars and buses declined.

• Japan's first: on October 3, 1971, Hachioji City asked residents to refrain from driving, centered on Wednesdays
• Purpose: to curb air pollution and ease traffic congestion
• Slogan: "a one-day ceasefire in the traffic war"
• Names: such campaigns are called "No Car Day" or "No My-Car Day"

No-Car Days That Continue Today

No-car days have continued in various forms across Japan. For example, Kyoto designates the 16th of each month and Osaka the 20th as No My-Car Day, with initiatives such as discounted day passes for public transit. Still, the number of participating local governments, companies and users remains limited.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Skip the car today and travel by train, bus or on foot
• Check whether your city has a No My-Car Day
• Review your commute and consider public transit or cycling
• Bring up traffic safety or the environment as a topic at work

A One-Day "Ceasefire" Can Change a City and Its Air

The phrase "traffic war ceasefire" carries the urgent feelings of an era troubled by accidents and pollution. Make October 3rd a day to rethink, just a little, how you get around.