President's Message

Since our founding in 1963, thanks to everybody’s understanding and cooperation, JAF has continued to provide road services supporting safety and security, among various other services. At of the end of November last year, the number of JAF members reached 20,663,000, an increase of about 260,000 compared to the same period the previous year. In response to your support, we will continue to make proactive efforts to further improve member satisfaction as we address the issues facing our mobility society today.

JAF is increasingly facing a difficult environment due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and the changing needs of mobility users. Through dialogue and co-creation, JAF is constantly making changes to meet your expectations, and promoting our business to support safe and secure local communities.

In road services, we revised the Road Services Terms of Use last April, changing service contents and road service fees in order to expand member services and respond to diversifying troubles. With these ongoing improvements in member services, the use of road services by JAF members is increasing.

Furthermore, we opened up the JAF road service competition held in eight blocks across Japan to members for the first time, providing an opportunity for more people to learn about JAF's road service skills and customer service, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and further enhancing the skills of our team members.

This was also the ninth survey on pedestrian protection at crosswalks without traffic signals. This time, the stop rate was 53.0%, the highest ever since the survey began. However, the reality is that about half of the cars still do not stop. We will continue to promote activities to raise awareness in cooperation with related organizations.

Regarding the automobile tax system, progress was made last December toward eliminating the so-called provisional tax rate currently added to the gasoline tax. In a survey conducted by JAF on the automobile tax system, 98.9% of respondents indicated that taxes on automobiles are a burden. This marks a step forward toward achieving a fair, equitable, and simplified automobile tax system, which JAF has been strongly advocating for over many years.

In motorsports, we supported many JAF-approved competitions across the country, from top-rate competitions to Auto Test and Drift Test that motorsport beginners can enjoy. We will continue to cooperate with motorsport clubs in each region to further energize these events.

Aiming to realize a healthy mobility society, JAF will continue to actively engage in various business activities. We look forward to your continued support and cooperation.

Masayoshi Sakaguchi
President
Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)