News On Japan

Japan's Bus Industry Targets Female Drivers

TOKYO, Feb 13 (News On Japan) - As Japan faces a critical shortfall of over 20,000 drivers, the bus industry has embarked on a novel initiative to address the issue: hire more women.

Statistics reveal that women constitute less than 2% of bus drivers, illustrating an extremely skewed gender ratio of "98:2". In an effort to shift this imbalance, a video campaign aimed at women has been launched on female-only train carriages in the capital region and Kansai, starting from February 12th.

Miki Fujimoto, a prominent figure in the campaign, questions, "Are you aware that 'bus driver' is a viable career option for women?"

A group of female bus drivers share their reasons for choosing this path, asserting, "Women can indeed become bus drivers!"

The campaign is spearheaded by an organization dedicated to revitalizing female recruitment in the sector.

Mie Nakajima, president of the Female Bus Drivers Association, states, "In areas where women have not been bus drivers for over a decade, the idea of a woman driving a bus might not even cross people's minds. We hope to encourage applications, aspiring for more women to consider a career as a bus driver."

On the day of filming, current drivers gathered to address the "2024 problem," a projected shortfall of over 20,000 drivers.

Fujimoto inquires, "Isn't driving a bus difficult for women?"

A female bus driver responds, "Not at all. The steering and gears are as light as those in a regular car. Being a woman does not put me at a disadvantage."

Nakajima notes, "In some countries, the gender ratio among bus drivers is 5:5, spanning ages 20 to 50. Changing the occupational structure is essential to resolving the driver shortage. We hope to spark interest."

Enhancing Female Recruitment...and the Necessary Environment

Expanding the number of female drivers requires adjustments on the part of employers. West Japan JR Bus, operating in Hokuriku and Kinki, has been visited for inspection. Although all drivers at this branch are currently male, efforts have been made to accommodate female drivers, including dedicated rest and shower rooms.

Nakajima questions whether women's opinions were considered in creating these female-only areas.

Akiyoshi Fujimoto, manager of West Japan JR Bus Kyoto branch, admits that while some feedback has been gathered, it may not cover all aspects.

Nakajima points out the absence of facilities for hair and makeup.

Reflecting on the feedback, Fujimoto acknowledges the importance of providing spaces where employees can comfortably prepare themselves.

Kazuki Horikoshi, a principal at West Japan JR Bus, believes that fostering a diverse workforce enhances recruitment competitiveness and contributes to service and safety improvements, ultimately benefiting customers.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Construction of the Integrated Resort (IR) complex in Yumeshima, Osaka—adjacent to the site of the 2025 World Expo—began on April 24th, with plans to open the facility in five years.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced on April 24th that its global sales for fiscal 2024 totaled 10,273,719 vehicles, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year, marking the first year-on-year decline in four years.

Rice prices in Japan continue to soar, more than doubling from the same period last year, with no clear signs of easing despite the government’s decision to release stockpiled rice. The current situation—dubbed the “Reiwa Rice Crisis”—has drawn comparisons to past supply shocks, prompting public concern and debate over whether government intervention has come too late.

At the Shanghai Motor Show, which opened to the press on April 23rd ahead of its public run from April 27th to May 2nd, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed a series of new models, including a new electric vehicle, as it works to regain ground in the increasingly competitive Chinese market.

The average weekday lunch spending in Japan rose for the third straight year to a record 485 yen in 2024 -- a 7.3% increase from the previous year -- highlighting how inflation is reshaping workers' midday habits.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has announced it will raise prices on 217 beverage products starting with shipments on October 1st.

The emergence of Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has become a key catalyst in the discussion of a potential Nissan-Honda merger. Having grown through iPhone production, the company is now pushing into the electric vehicle (EV) sector, led by a Japanese executive who once held top roles at major Japanese firms.

The average price of new condominiums in Greater Tokyo has marked a record high for a fourth straight year amid rising costs. (NHK)