Abstract
This paper examines the prospect of using interest-based negotiation for public participation in designing traffic safety improvement plans. Through participatory observation of experimental deliberative processes for improving safety at the Kita-Josanjima Intersection in Tokushima, Japan, we examined its effectiveness in satisfying differing interests of its neighbors and users. Even though the experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of using consensus building techniques in such dialogues, it also revealed challenges in identifying and involving appropriate stakeholders, as well as in managing their relationship. It also suggests the need for adaptations in using “imported” planning tools due to cultural and institutional differences.