Rira Okamoto, 4th-term student at Shibuya Girls International School, appointed as 'Traffic Safety Smile Ambassador' by Toyama Prefectural Police

Rira Okamoto, a 1st-year high school student and 4th-term student at the Shibuya Girls International School, which teaches next-generation skills such as English conversation, video production, and social media management, was appointed as a 'Traffic Safety Smile Ambassador' by the Toyama Prefectural Police on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

On the same day, Okamoto participated in an awareness campaign on the streets of her home prefecture, Toyama, calling for compliance with bicycle traffic rules and the wearing of helmets.

Background: Reaching Youth to Prevent Traffic Accidents

Given the high number of traffic accidents involving young people, including high school students, while riding bicycles in Toyama Prefecture, the Toyama Prefectural Police targeted influencers with strong outreach to people in their teens and 20s as part of their efforts to prevent traffic accidents.

The selection was Rira Okamoto, a 4th-term student at the school with approximately 17,000 TikTok followers. As a high school influencer from Toyama, Okamoto has high local recognition and was selected by the Toyama Prefectural Police as someone who can 'convey traffic safety in language that reaches the younger generation directly.' At the appointment ceremony, Hideji Furukawa, Traffic Department Chief of the Toyama Prefectural Police, handed the appointment letter to Okamoto.

Taking to the Streets to Address Peers

After the ceremony, Okamoto stood on the street with police officers and local junior high school students to distribute leaflets about bicycle traffic rules. While smiling and talking to passersby, she continued to call for the correct way to wear helmets and the prohibition of dangerous riding practices.

'I really want people to wear helmets. Some might ride double, but it's dangerous, so please stop,' said Rira Okamoto.

Even after wearing bicycle helmets became a duty of effort, the wearing rate among teenagers remains low. Messages from influencers of the same generation have a reach different from calls made by the government or schools. Okamoto’s role is not just PR, but to weave 'words that reach' to protect the lives of young people from traffic accidents.

Profile: Rira Okamoto

Name: Rira Okamoto Grade: 4th-term student, Shibuya Girls International School (1st year of high school) Origin: Toyama Prefecture Activities: Model, Influencer

Future Activities

Okamoto plans to continue awareness activities within Toyama Prefecture as a 'Traffic Safety Smile Ambassador.' She also envisions sharing information through social media, including TikTok, to continuously deliver messages to prevent traffic accidents among the younger generation.

Shibuya Girls International School provides a foundation for students to excel on the front lines of society by learning practical skills such as SNS management and video production. This appointment is one example of a student contributing to society while still in school.