Picture: cyclist with no helmet in Kyoto
"Last week across Ehime Prefecture, police and prefectural workers took to the streets to remind residents that the new Bicycle Safety Ordinance requires bicycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet. No penalties have been laid out for violating this ordinance, but Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura is hoping that citizens will gradually learn to love headgear while they ride regardless."
Source:
Ehime enacts law instructing cyclists to wear a helmet
Japan Today
July 7th 2013