One thing refreshing about Japan is that you don't have to wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle - and nobody does.
There are millions of them and they ride like maniacs but I have never once seen a bicycle accident here, ever. You just get out there and live on your wits and take your chances.

I am sick of hearing the language of fear:-

Watch out!
Be careful!
Take care!
Dangerous!
Look out!
Don't!
No!
Hazardous!

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962