Road Day

What Is Road Day?

August 10th is "Road Day" (Michi no Hi) in Japan. It was established in 1986 by the Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) to deepen public understanding of the role and importance of roads. The date comes from August 10, 1920 (Taishō 9), when Japan's first modern road improvement plan (the First Road Improvement Plan) was put into effect. Another reason for the date is that August is a month dedicated to caring for roads (today called "Road Fureai Month").

Why Was Road Day Created?

Roads support every part of society, from daily life and logistics to disaster response, yet their importance is easy to overlook. Road Day was created to take a fresh look at the history and role of roads and to raise interest in building better ones.

• To recognize the role of roads: From neighborhood streets to expressways, roads are the foundation of society.
• To learn the history of road building: From ancient highways to modern infrastructure, roads have evolved alongside civilization.
• To raise safety awareness: A chance to think about roads from the viewpoint of traffic safety and disaster preparedness.

The History and Development of Japan's Roads

Japan's roads have changed shape along with society from ancient times to the present.

• Ancient official roads: In the Nara period, a state-managed road network known as the "Shichidō Ekiro" (seven circuit post roads) was built.
• The Five Highways of the Edo period: Highways such as the Tōkaidō and Nakasendō were developed, forming the basis of trade and cultural exchange.
• Modern roads: Modern road building began in the Meiji era, but until around 1960 most of Japan's roads were still unpaved. Paving advanced rapidly from the 1960s onward as cars became widespread.
• The expressway network: From the 1960s, expressways were built across the country and became vital infrastructure supporting economic growth.

The Science and Technology Behind Roads

Roads are more than just "a way through" -- they are supported by a great deal of technology.

• Paving technology: Asphalt and concrete pavements are designed for durability, drainage, noise reduction, and other purposes.
• Traffic engineering: Traffic signal control, intersection layouts, and the placement of signs are designed based on research into improving traffic flow.
• Disaster infrastructure: Roads serve as evacuation routes and emergency transport routes, and are indispensable for recovery after disasters.

Interesting Facts About Road Day

• Japan's longest national road: National Route 4 (from Chūō Ward, Tokyo, to Aomori City) is known as the longest national road in Japan by land length. Including sea sections, National Route 58, linking Kagoshima City and Naha City, is said to be the longest in total length.
• Japan's shortest national road: National Route 174 in Chūō Ward, Kobe, is just 187.1 meters long and is known as the shortest national road in Japan.
• The colors of road signs: Blue is used for ordinary roads, green for expressways, and brown for tourist destinations and landmarks.
• Roads carry culture: Post towns and local culture flourished along the old highways, and today roads still connect regional economies and cultures.

Ideas for Enjoying Road Day

• Look into the history of the roads near you to learn how your area developed.
• Walk an old highway or historic road and feel the footsteps of history.
• Pay attention to road signs and traffic infrastructure to discover the technology behind everyday "normal."
• Check your local hazard map and consider the role of roads as evacuation routes.
• Join a road-related event held around the country during "Road Fureai Month" in August.

Roads Connect People and Society, and Lead to the Future

Road Day on August 10th is a day to reconsider the value of roads we normally take for granted. The roads you walk and drive every day are all part of the foundation that supports society. Learning about their history and technology may make everyday scenery look a little different.