[JAF Kagoshima] Second "Stop! Roadkill" Video Released in Collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment – Amami Rabbit Traffic Accidents Reach Record High
JAF Kagoshima Branch and the Ministry of the Environment have jointly released the second awareness video for "Stop! Roadkill." This initiative aims to prevent traffic accidents involving the Amami rabbit, a special natural monument, following a record high in incidents in 2025. The video promotes three key driving behaviors on Amami Oshima to protect the species.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 19:40
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 11:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 1, 2026 at 21:53 (10h 51m after Collected)
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) Kagoshima Branch (Branch Manager: Kentaro Uehara), in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, has produced and released a video to prevent traffic accidents (hereinafter referred to as roadkill) involving the Amami rabbit, which updated its record high in 2025*. This marks the second installment of the "Stop! Roadkill" awareness campaign.
■ Video Overview: What are the "Three Driving Tips" for Amami Oshima?
The Amami rabbit, a special natural monument, is difficult to spot on roads at night. Therefore, when driving on Amami Oshima, it is crucial to employ "Three Driving Tips" to detect them early and avoid collisions.
① "Reduced Speed Driving" in high-accident and curved sections
Many roadkill incidents have been confirmed on Amami Oshima, even on everyday roads like national and prefectural highways. To avoid accidents when animals suddenly dart out, it is essential to reduce speed from the outset.
② "High Beam Driving" to pay attention to the roadside and detect early
The Amami rabbit has black fur, making it hard to see with low beams. Using high beams appropriately increases the chance of detection. *Remember to switch to low beams when oncoming or preceding vehicles are present!
③ "What If Driving" for animals that might jump out or be in front of you
Nocturnal Amami rabbits have a habit of feeding and defecating on roads. Always be aware that an animal "might be there" and proceed slowly with your foot ready on the brake to prevent accidents.
[Trend in Amami Rabbit Traffic Accidents on Amami Oshima]
The number of incidents for 2025 and 2026 may change in the future based on autopsy results (traffic accident figures are compiled annually).
*According to interviews with the Ministry of the Environment Amami Wildlife Conservation Center.
"Sanctuary Amami: The Breath of Creatures" by Futoshi Hamada
■ Prize Campaign
In conjunction with the video release, a second prize campaign is being held, offering unique charms of Amami. A photo book provided by Amami photographer Futoshi Hamada, featuring valuable photos of Amami rabbit parenting, will be given away. This campaign is exclusive to JAF members.
Watch the video
Apply for the prize here
〇 Inquiries about the release
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) Kagoshima Branch, Promotion Division
2-12 Shinei-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 890-0072
TEL: 099-284-0007 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)
■ Video Overview: What are the "Three Driving Tips" for Amami Oshima?
The Amami rabbit, a special natural monument, is difficult to spot on roads at night. Therefore, when driving on Amami Oshima, it is crucial to employ "Three Driving Tips" to detect them early and avoid collisions.
① "Reduced Speed Driving" in high-accident and curved sections
Many roadkill incidents have been confirmed on Amami Oshima, even on everyday roads like national and prefectural highways. To avoid accidents when animals suddenly dart out, it is essential to reduce speed from the outset.
② "High Beam Driving" to pay attention to the roadside and detect early
The Amami rabbit has black fur, making it hard to see with low beams. Using high beams appropriately increases the chance of detection. *Remember to switch to low beams when oncoming or preceding vehicles are present!
③ "What If Driving" for animals that might jump out or be in front of you
Nocturnal Amami rabbits have a habit of feeding and defecating on roads. Always be aware that an animal "might be there" and proceed slowly with your foot ready on the brake to prevent accidents.
[Trend in Amami Rabbit Traffic Accidents on Amami Oshima]
The number of incidents for 2025 and 2026 may change in the future based on autopsy results (traffic accident figures are compiled annually).
*According to interviews with the Ministry of the Environment Amami Wildlife Conservation Center.
"Sanctuary Amami: The Breath of Creatures" by Futoshi Hamada
■ Prize Campaign
In conjunction with the video release, a second prize campaign is being held, offering unique charms of Amami. A photo book provided by Amami photographer Futoshi Hamada, featuring valuable photos of Amami rabbit parenting, will be given away. This campaign is exclusive to JAF members.
Watch the video
Apply for the prize here
〇 Inquiries about the release
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) Kagoshima Branch, Promotion Division
2-12 Shinei-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 890-0072
TEL: 099-284-0007 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)