Oregonians Can Say ‘Konnichiwa’ to Driving in Japan

Wes McGovern, Associate Editor

As of last week, Oregonians can say ‘konnichi wa’ to driving in Japan after Oregon and Japan enacted a driver’s license reciprocity agreement. Consul General Masaki Shiga and Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce met and signed an agreement that would allow Oregonians in Japan to earn driving privileges without having to pass any sort of written or driven exam, and vice versa. Oregon joins a growing number of states in welcoming reciprocity with citizens of Japan. “This agreement is a symbol of the strong business, education and tourism relationships between Japan and the state of Oregon,” Joyce said in an interview with Fox 12. Although travel to Japan is still greatly restricted for  health reasons, online applications for reciprocity opened November 1.