Applications open Mon, Oct 19, 2026 — for small and light two-wheelers, ¥2,500–3,000 per plate (tax incl.)
Japan's "choice number" (kibō number) system lets an owner pick the four-digit serial number on the license plate. On August 18, 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced that the system will be extended to small two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles over 250cc) and light two-wheeled vehicles (over 125cc up to 250cc), with applications opening on Monday, October 19, 2026. The lottery-eligible numbers and the application fees have also been fixed. Until now the system covered only four-wheelers: registered vehicles since May 1998 and kei cars since January 2005. Motorcycle owners simply received whatever number was issued to them, with no way to request one. From October 19 they get the same choice car owners have had for years. There are two ways to apply: online through the official choice-number application service, or in person at a counter. The fee is ¥2,500–3,000 per plate including tax, with the breakdown given in Attachment 2 of the press release. Numbers that attract heavy demand are designated lottery numbers and are allocated by draw.
For foreign residents who own a motorcycle in Japan, October 19 adds a new option: choosing your own number. You can pick digits considered lucky in your home country, or an easy-to-remember number — helpful for delivery riders managing more than one machine. There are caveats. First, a choice plate is not free: on top of the normal issuance procedure you pay an application fee of ¥2,500–3,000 per plate including tax. Second, popular numbers are lottery numbers, so you may not get the one you want. Third, the application website and counter guidance are primarily in Japanese; if you are not confident, ask the dealer selling you the bike, or an administrative scrivener (gyōsei shoshi), to handle the paperwork. Also note that if you complete registration or notification before October 19, you cannot choose a number at that point. If your purchase is not urgent, discuss with the dealer whether it is worth waiting until applications open.
Japan's autumn national traffic safety campaign runs September 21-30, 2026. Police focus on pedestrian reflectors, early headlights, drink-driving and phone use, plus bicycle and e-scooter rules — now backed by the bicycle fixed-penalty system in force since April 2026.
Japan's National Police Agency runs its autumn road safety campaign from September 21 to 30, 2026. Pedestrian deaths become the largest category from October, and fatal crashes at dusk run about 1.7 times summer levels. Three focus areas apply.
Japan's MLIT published draft amendments to the Road Vehicle Safety Standards ordinance and its detailed notification on Aug 21, 2026. Public comments are open until 23:00 on Sept 20 (case no. 155260927).