Reo Naito

Feb 21, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Rei Kobayashi |Reo Naito |Jino Asano

TOKYO -- With Japan set to allow ride-hailing services on a limited basis from April, the country is cracking down on unauthorized operators who target foreign visitors accustomed to services like Uber. Around 9 a.m. on Feb. 8, a van with a white license plate pulled up in front of Terminal 3 at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. A family got out and headed to the lobby with suitcases in hand.

Dec 24, 2023 | asia.nikkei.com | Reo Naito |Atsushi Murata

TOKYO -- Traffic accidents and violations involving bicyclists are rising across Japan, and the government wants to hold riders accountable more easily with fines. An expert panel for the National Police Agency recently recommended fines on bicyclists 16 and older when they commit violations.

Dec 11, 2023 | asia.nikkei.com | Reo Naito

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.