# Japan recruits foreign bus drivers amid worsening labor shortage

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/in-depth-news-features-nhk-world-japan-news-6248665/japan-recruits-foreign-bus-drivers-amid-worsening-labor-shortage
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/in-depth-news-features-nhk-world-japan-news-6248665/japan-recruits-foreign-bus-drivers-amid-worsening-labor-shortage.md
Podcast: [In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News](https://stenobird.com/podcast/in-depth-news-features-nhk-world-japan-news-6248665)
Published: 2026-06-01T03:28:14+00:00
Episode link: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4824/
Audio file: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/news/backstory/articles-4824-9662-202606011225.mp3
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Duration seconds: 324

## Resource

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.

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## Transcript

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