Accidents involving foreign drivers using rental cars are rising in Toyama Prefecture, with 54 cases reported from January to September this year and 78 last year. Experts attribute the increase to more inbound visitors and foreigners not being familiar with left‑hand driving and road signs. The New York Times named Toyama a must‑visit spot for 2025, likely boosting foreign tourism; police are stepping up safety outreach to international students and rental firms. Toyota Mobility Toyama says foreign use rose about 40% from January to August, with a surge after the NYT listing, while Nissan Rent-a-Car Toyama notes growing foreign customers and more multilingual guidance. In addition, the government tightened the new overseas-to-Japan license conversion system this month, requiring a resident certificate in principle, excluding travelers without one.