Japan considers lower language hurdles for foreign bus, cab drivers

TOKYO — Japan looks to ease language requirements for foreign bus and taxi drivers entering the country via its specified skilled worker program, lowering what some observers argue has been a barrier to alleviating the industry’s labor shortage.

The program, introduced in 2019, generally requires workers to have Japanese language skills equivalent to N4 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, which indicates basic understanding. For bus and taxi drivers, the requirement is a step higher at N3, to ensure they can provide information to customers and handle accidents.