Starting in April 2024, a new residency status for foreign workers has been introduced in Japan under the "Specified Skilled Worker" category, which now includes the "Automobile Transportation Industry." As a result, the taxi industry is also moving towards actively recruiting foreign workers. To help those interested in working in Japan gain a better understanding of what it means to be a taxi driver, we will provide a comprehensive explanation.
1. A profession dedicated to safely and efficiently transporting customers to their destinations
A taxi driver is a professional who works for a taxi company, driving a passenger vehicle (taxi) in urban areas. The primary role of a taxi driver is to transport passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently. They adhere to traffic regulations, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey at all times.
Utilizing geographic knowledge and navigation systems, taxi drivers skillfully avoid traffic congestion and select the quickest routes to deliver passengers promptly. As a foreign taxi driver, you can aim to become a professional who confidently navigates city streets, offering reliable service to all your passengers.
2. A Profession Involving Interaction with Many Customers
Taxi drivers have the opportunity to interact with many passengers throughout the day, including tourists, businessmen, and local residents. Therefore, communication with customers is extremely important. Responding courteously to customers' requests and questions helps create an environment where they can enjoy a safe ride. To be appreciated by customers, we strive to offer welcoming hospitality and courteous service. Aim to improve the "hospitality power" of Japanese-style service as a foreign taxi driver.
3. Unique Working Styles of Taxi Drivers
The work of a taxi driver is characterized by flexible working arrangements. These work arrangements can be broadly divided into the following three types:
Day Shift (early morning to around evening)
Night Shift (around evening to early morning)
Alternate-Day Shift (work schedule where an employee works for two days' worth of hours in a single shift, followed by a day off. The working hours are typically around 20 hours. For example, an employee might work from 8:00 AM on one day until 4:00 AM the next day, and then take the following day off. During this shift, there are three breaks totaling three hours.)
Many taxi companies adopt the "alternate-day shift." While the working hours in a single shift are long, this schedule allows for more days off. This setup provides ample private time, allowing employees to spend more time with family and friends. For those who want to balance work with a fulfilling personal life, this can be an ideal way to work.
4. Qualifications Needed to Become a Taxi Driver
To become a taxi driver, it is necessary to have held an ordinary vehicle Class 1 driver's license for at least one year.
While an ordinary vehicle Class 2 driver's license is required to actually drive a taxi car, it is not necessary to have this license when applying for job interviews with companies. Many taxi companies cover the cost of obtaining a Class 2 license after joining, providing the opportunity to acquire it. Foreign nationals aiming to work at taxi companies can apply for interviews if they meet the requirement of having held a Class 1 license for one year.
Having geographical knowledge as a taxi driver is important, but with the advancement of car navigation systems, it has become easier to drive on the shortest routes.
Furthermore, with the introduction of convenient tools such as dispatch apps, the working environment is continuously evolving to be more favorable.
5. Performance-Based Salary System
The salary system for taxi drivers adopts a "performance-based" model, differing from the typical salary structures. Under a performance-based system, the more customers you pick up and the more sales you generate, the higher your salary.
There are several types of performance-based systems, and here we introduce three representative models. Be sure to check in advance which salary structure the taxi company you aim to join adopts.
Type A Wage
A fixed pay system where you receive a predetermined salary, including base salary, various allowances, and bonuses, regardless of sales or mileage.Type B Wage
A fully performance-based system. Salary varies significantly based on sales and mileage, allowing you to aim for a high income, but there is a downside of having a lower salary when not earning much.Type AB Wage
Includes performance allowances and various bonuses in addition to a base or fixed salary. Many taxi companies adopt the Type AB wage system, mitigating the risk of not earning during periods of low taxi demand and allowing for wage increases in line with achievements.
6. Unique Working Styles of Taxi Drivers
Recently, the number of inbound tourists in Japan has been increasing, and it is becoming more common for foreign tourists to use taxis at tourist sites nationwide. Consequently, taxi companies offer tourism services tailored for inbound tourists, where taxi drivers communicate in their language and provide guided tours while escorting them to various tourist destinations.
Thus, foreign taxi drivers are also expected to play an active role in the field of tourism services aimed at inbound tourists.
Conclusion
How was the information?
Have you started to get a clearer picture of what it means to be a taxi driver? The environment for foreign nationals to work as taxi drivers in Japan is becoming increasingly supportive. While starting a job as a driver under the new Specified Skilled Worker visa might seem daunting, taxi companies are eager to assist foreign workers. Take the first step towards becoming a taxi driver in Japan with confidence!