[JAF Kagoshima] Co-produced a Roadkill Prevention Educational Video with the Ministry of the Environment
JAF Kagoshima and the Ministry of the Environment released a video on March 25, 2026, to prevent roadkill of the endemic Amami rabbit, following a record high number of accidents.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 22:26
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 07:04 (584h 8m after Collected)
The Kagoshima Branch of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) (Branch Manager: Kentaro Uehara) has jointly produced an educational video with the Ministry of the Environment to prevent traffic accidents (hereafter referred to as roadkill) involving the Amami rabbit, an endemic species living only on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima islands, and released it on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
■ The background of the video production is the record high number of roadkill incidents
〇 Record high number of accidents
Roadkill incidents involving the Amami rabbit have been increasing in recent years. In 2025, a record high number of roadkill incidents occurred. *
〇 Changes in habitat
As a result of conservation efforts, the rabbits have begun to appear on roads closer to human settlements, increasing the danger even in places where accidents were previously rare.
〇 Danger at night
Amami rabbits are nocturnal and have a tendency to suddenly dart out onto forest roads and arterial roads at night. When driving at night, please be aware of sudden appearances and reduce your speed.
■ Video Overview
The video produced this time introduces the characteristics of the Amami rabbit and explains points to note when driving at night, which could not be fully conveyed through previous warnings using only still images and text. In addition, it touches upon the need to reduce speed at night as a point to keep in mind when driving.
It is currently available on the local information page of the JAF Kagoshima Branch. Furthermore, we plan to disseminate the video through the SNS of related organizations to share the information widely.
■ Giveaway Campaign
In conjunction with the release of the video, we will hold a giveaway campaign where you can enjoy the unique charm of Amami. We will give away an assortment of sweets provided by "Amami no Sato," a spot where you can experience the nature and culture of Amami. This campaign is limited to JAF members.
■ The background of the video production is the record high number of roadkill incidents
〇 Record high number of accidents
Roadkill incidents involving the Amami rabbit have been increasing in recent years. In 2025, a record high number of roadkill incidents occurred. *
〇 Changes in habitat
As a result of conservation efforts, the rabbits have begun to appear on roads closer to human settlements, increasing the danger even in places where accidents were previously rare.
〇 Danger at night
Amami rabbits are nocturnal and have a tendency to suddenly dart out onto forest roads and arterial roads at night. When driving at night, please be aware of sudden appearances and reduce your speed.
■ Video Overview
The video produced this time introduces the characteristics of the Amami rabbit and explains points to note when driving at night, which could not be fully conveyed through previous warnings using only still images and text. In addition, it touches upon the need to reduce speed at night as a point to keep in mind when driving.
It is currently available on the local information page of the JAF Kagoshima Branch. Furthermore, we plan to disseminate the video through the SNS of related organizations to share the information widely.
■ Giveaway Campaign
In conjunction with the release of the video, we will hold a giveaway campaign where you can enjoy the unique charm of Amami. We will give away an assortment of sweets provided by "Amami no Sato," a spot where you can experience the nature and culture of Amami. This campaign is limited to JAF members.