Japan to offer tests for taxi and bus drivers in more languages

20 languages could be added, including English, Chinese and Vietnamese

20231211N taxi

Japan's ranks of taxi drivers are shrinking. (Photo by Arisa Moriyama)

REO NAITO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan will offer tests for commercial licenses required to drive taxis and buses in more languages as its transportation sector struggles with a deepening labor shortage.

The move comes as the government weighs adding taxi and bus drivers to the list of occupations qualifying for "specified skilled worker" visas, which target understaffed industries. The change could come as early as fiscal 2023.

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