{
  "id": 10301351,
  "title": "The ins and outs of ETC cards for highways in Japan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/the-ins-and-outs-of-etc-cards-for-highways-in-japan",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/28/japan/explainer/etc-explainer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, possessing an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card is highly recommended for those renting cars, especially when navigating expressways. This card, akin to E-ZPass in the United States and the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS), offers a more cost-effective and hassle-free travel experience. As many toll booths are transitioning away from cash-only transactions, the ETC card has become a crucial element for motorists. Highway operators strongly advise renters to ensure their vehicles are equipped with this card. A reader must have an active subscription to comment on articles, but they must first create a display name on their subscriber account page.",
  "summary": "With more expressways going cashless, the handy ETC card is becoming an essential add-on when renting or buying a car in Japan.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}