Episode
Japan recruits foreign bus drivers amid worsening labor shortage
- Published
- Jun 1, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 324
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4824/
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Summary
As Japan heads into another busy tourist season, bus companies across the country are struggling to keep the wheels turning with driver shortages forcing route cuts and service reductions. Increasingly, they are turning to foreign recruits who can come to Japan on skilled worker visas. The new arrivals undergo comprehensive training to eventually qualify as full-fledged drivers capable of operating safely and communicating with passengers.