From April 2024, Japan plans to expand the Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) visa program and begin accepting foreign workers in the automotive transportation industry. This marks the dawn of a new era for the taxi industry as well. Working as a taxi driver in Japan offers numerous benefits and attractions for foreign workers. Let's explore the advantages and appeal of becoming a taxi driver in Japan from your perspective.
High Salary and Annual Income
First and foremost, it can be said that the salary and rewards are overwhelmingly higher compared to other industries.
Please take a look at the data below. The gray bar on the far left represents the average salary of the 12 fields covered by the Specified Skilled Worker system. The Specified Skilled Worker system aims to accept foreigners with certain expertise and skills in industries where it is difficult to secure domestic human resources. As you can see, the automobile transportation industry, which is newly joining this system, has a significantly higher salary compared to the 12 fields.
Salary of Specified Skilled Worker in "Automobile Transportation"
The biggest attraction of the Specified Skilled Worker in "Automobile Transportation" is the salary.
The average salary is overwhelmingly high compared to other fields.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s 2022 Wage Structure Basic Statistical Survey
Nationwide Hire & Taxi Federation 2022 Wage and Labor Time of Taxi Drivers/Japan Trucking Association 2022 Actual Situation of Wages and Working Hours in Truck Transportation Industry
Furthermore, the salary system for taxi drivers is different from that of regular salaried employees. It is a commission system, where your salary increases in proportion to the sales you generate from passengers. Many companies have a commission rate around 60%, so if you generate 800,000 yen in monthly sales, your monthly salary could be around 480,000 yen, and if it’s 1,000,000 yen, around 600,000 yen. This presents a great opportunity for foreigners. Additionally, the current average age of taxi drivers is around 60 years old. With a certain amount of experience, young foreign taxi drivers might be able to earn more than Japanese drivers.
Attractive Work-Life Balance
Unlike other professions, taxi drivers have the advantage of easily securing days off.
This is attributed to the "alternate-day shift" working pattern that is commonly adopted by many taxi companies.
The "alternate-day shift" pattern involves working one full day and taking the next day off. For example, you work from 6 AM to 2 AM the next day, and then the entire following day is your rest day. Although the working hours of the alternate-day shift can be as long as 20 to 22 hours, you are not working continuously for more than 20 hours; there is consideration for about a 3-hour break in between.
While taxi drivers can also work regular day or night shifts, the alternate-day shift allows for more days off, making it easier to secure personal time. Such working patterns are suitable for those who wish to prioritize precious time with family, enjoy hobbies while working, or secure time to fulfill personal dreams.
Anyone Can Become a Taxi Driver!
Basically, anyone who has held a first-class driver’s license for over a year can become a taxi driver. Due to an amendment to the Road Traffic Act, the qualifications for taking the test for a second-class license, which is required to drive a taxi, have been relaxed, allowing you to start driving a taxi just one year after obtaining your first-class license. Modern tools such as car navigation systems and ride-hailing apps have been introduced, making the job easier. Additionally, the abolition of the geography exam has created an environment where even foreigners who are not very familiar with Japanese geography can challenge themselves to become taxi drivers. This is a significant opportunity, especially for those looking to find employment or change careers as taxi drivers in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka.
Acquiring Specialized Skills
The job of a taxi driver is not just about driving. You can acquire a wide range of specialized skills, including customer service, navigation skills, and emergency response. Many of these skills are useful even in other professions in the future. Additionally, you can learn about business manners and customer service according to Japan's unique high standards, greatly enhancing personal occupational capabilities.
Promotion of Cultural Exchange
One of the greatest attractions of foreigners working as taxi drivers in Japan is the opportunity to interact with and deeply understand Japanese culture. An increasing number of foreign travelers are expected in the future, and drivers will regularly interact with various foreign passengers. For travelers who can communicate in their native language, having a driver who can converse in their language offers highly attractive service. By introducing Japanese culture in their native language, drivers can offer passengers a delicate and unprecedented value, achieving a level of customer service unattainable by Japanese drivers.
Improving Language Skills
Working as a taxi driver in Japan directly contributes to improving Japanese language skills. Through daily tasks, you can hone your communication skills in Japanese, gaining practical experience in language acquisition. Enhancing Japanese language proficiency also broadens the opportunities for switching to other jobs or advancing your career.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Japan boasts well-developed public services and infrastructure, providing a safe and secure living environment. By working as a foreign driver, you can enjoy these high living standards, offering excellent conditions to support your family. Moreover, accessing Japan's social security system is a substantial long-term benefit.
Conclusion
The labor shortage in Japan is becoming increasingly severe, prompting the country to create an environment to secure excellent labor from overseas. Working under the environment prepared for foreign labor offers numerous benefits and attractions for foreign workers. Working under the Specified Skilled Worker Visa system will likely be a significant step for foreign workers in building their careers in Japan.