Interview with Mr. T
"When I first graduated from university, I joined a Japanese company. At the time, finding a job here wasn’t too difficult—especially compared to China, where competition is much harsher. In Japan, if you’re not too picky, the employment rate is about 95%. As a foreign student, I didn’t feel much discrimination either. Companies know from the start that you’re not Japanese, but as long as your Japanese is good and you can contribute—sometimes even with Chinese language skills—they’ll treat you fairly. In my experience, coworkers were willing to teach me, guide me through the basics, and show me workplace etiquette.
But after the pandemic, the company I was working for shut down. That’s when I decided to switch paths and become a driver. Driving gives me more freedom and a chance to meet different people. Every day, I talk to new passengers, hear different stories, and sometimes even small details in those conversations spark new ideas for life. It’s a job I don’t mind doing—I actually enjoy it. The pay is decent, the work isn’t exhausting, and it gives me a sense of independence.
Taxi driving in Japan has traditionally been dominated by older men, many in their sixties or seventies. That worries me, because driving requires sharp reflexes—half a second can make the difference between safety and an accident. With Japan’s aging population, more young people are now entering the industry, and I think that’s a good shift. The system is straightforward: there’s a base salary plus commission, and the more rides you take, the more you earn. A motivated young driver can definitely out-earn the older ones who tire quickly and take long breaks.
Of course, taxi fares in Japan are expensive. That’s mainly because of high labor costs and the structure of the industry. Companies have to cover insurance, benefits, and strict regulations, especially in Tokyo where wages are higher. On average, a taxi driver can earn around 15,000 RMB a month. The demand is always there—whether it’s tourists going to places like Mount Fuji or Kamakura, business people whose companies cover the fare, or locals who need a late-night ride after drinking. Taxis will never disappear; they’re too essential, especially in a country that depends heavily on tourism.
Most of my passengers are Japanese or Chinese, though I also get Western tourists from time to time. With foreigners, language can be a barrier—sometimes neither side can understand the other. But usually, just knowing the hotel name or address is enough. And with translation apps these days, communication isn’t a big issue. What matters most is giving passengers a safe and comfortable experience.
When I look at Japan’s job market more broadly, I see clear patterns. The most respected professions are doctors and lawyers, but those require long years of study. For young people, many choose service industries, driving, restaurants, or tourism. They’re willing to try different jobs, chase their dreams, and experiment while they’re young, even if they fail. Later in life, most become more pragmatic. For foreigners, IT is one of the strongest fields—Japan really lacks skilled IT professionals, and the government is even preparing policies to attract them. Unlike medicine, which requires Japanese credentials, IT skills transfer easily. That’s why many Chinese graduates come here to work in tech.
Among immigrants, there are different layers. Those with limited Japanese often work in construction or manual labor. Others with stronger language or education move into sales, driving, or professional fields. Over time, many Chinese in Japan have advanced a step higher, running businesses or working in skilled sectors. Compared to other groups, Chinese workers are often preferred—our appearance is harder to distinguish from Japanese, and we blend in more easily. By contrast, South Asians sometimes face prejudice due to cultural differences or stereotypes, and Southeast Asians don’t always have the same advantages. In the end, Japanese companies tend to favor hiring Chinese, Koreans, or people from Hong Kong and Taiwan when given the choice.
For me, driving has become more than just a job—it’s a way of life. It gives me freedom, steady income, and a window into the lives of all kinds of people in Japan. And as long as you’re willing to work hard, this line of work will always have opportunities."