[nine_k]

Who needs a cigar when one could read Wikipedia first?

> In most rural areas they are also exempted from the requirement to certify that adequate parking is available for the vehicle

Kei cars have a number of prescribed limitations (yes, because space is at a premium, but so is / was fuel, metal, etc), and even have special number plates.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_car

Also, there are designated parking spots for them where other cars won't fit:

> Some places in the parking lots are smaller than others and usually painted with the character “軽自動車” or just “軽”. These spaces are reserved for the small “kei” cars

https://japantravelplanning.com/car-parking-in-japan/