Nobody enjoys being lectured on new rules. But would you pay attention if they came from a handsome anime policeman?
In a brilliant move to ensure all eyes are on the newly implemented cycling safety laws, the Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan released an official campaign in the style of otome “dating simulator” games — titled “Forever Anzen: Doki Doki Cycling.”
Japan’s New Blue Ticket Bike Laws: What Cyclists in Tokyo Need to Know
The viral campaign was prompted by a new traffic violation system known as the “blue ticket” system that was enacted this month.
The ticketing system previously only applied to cars and other larger vehicles, but now they will also be enforced with bicycles. Violations include improper sidewalk use, riding with faulty brakes and using an umbrella or headphones. Infractions can come with some steep fines, like ¥12,000 for using your phone while cycling. While the blue tickets do not leave a criminal record, more egregious violations, like cycling under the influence of alcohol, can result in a red ticket and court proceedings.
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Ikemen Policemen Teach Cycling Safety
Sadly, Doki Doki Cycling is not an actual playable game, but an immersive video posted on the official Public Relations Office YouTube channel.
The video brings out two anime veterans for its voice roles. Takeshi Kusao, known for his work on Akira and Dragon Ball Z, voices all three ikemen (handsome) police officers. Hina Natsume, primarily known for her role in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, voices the “player” female main character who is hilariously named Baishikuru Noruko, a clever kanji combination that creates the word-play name meaning “bicycle rider girl.”
The parody game includes all of the classic otome romance tropes like chance encounters and love interests jumping in front of a truck to save you, while delivering informational statistics on traffic safety.
The super muscular Police Officer C scolds Noruko for using her phone, citing that fatal accidents go up by almost 4% when cyclists are distracted by their devices. Police Officer A also reminds Noruko that wearing a helmet is a basic rule; the fatality rate is 1.4 times higher without one.
The game parody’s virality has successfully brought awareness to the safety laws, with currently over 1.6 million views.
While comments have been disabled on the original Doki Doki Cycling video, many have shared their reactions on other social platforms like X, saying Doki Doki Cycling makes the new rules easy to follow and remember. “A dating sim from the government, well that’s Japan for you,” commented another user.
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The Powerhouse of Otome Games
Of course, Japan is no stranger to the power of beautiful anime men.
Female-catered media has long stood its ground as both economic and cultural defining powerhouses through games, anime, idol groups and more. The popularity of otome games, with Japanese titles like Amnesia and Diabolik Lovers, and international hits including Mystic Messenger and Love and Deepspace, has brought the game genre up as a global phenomenon.
Countless spinoffs and parodies have surfaced out of the otome game craze, like the pigeon dating simulator Hatoful Boyfriend and even a variation from KFC with I Love You, Colonel Sanders!. Even train lines can be made into handsome “husbandos” — Japan Railway made an official idol series with a hot ambassador for each of the stops of the Yamanote line. These campaigns prove that, at least when it comes to beautiful anime men, our attention spans are just fine.
