How Yamato Uses the Specified Skilled Worker Visa
On November 13, Yamato Transport announced that it will hire up to 500 Vietnamese truck drivers over the five years starting in 2027.
The company has partnered with Vietnam’s IT giant FPT to recruit around 100 candidates per year. Beginning in 2026, selected applicants will attend a six-month special program in Vietnam, where they will study Japanese language, culture, and Japan’s driving rules.
After that, they will continue one year of training in Japan and obtain a Japanese driver’s license through the foreign license conversion system. Their work visa will be the Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) status, which allows up to five years of employment.
Aging drivers and stricter overtime regulations have intensified Japan’s driver shortage. The “2024 Logistics Problem” has further accelerated the decline in long-distance trucking capacity, increasing expectations for foreign drivers who can step into these roles.
Driver shortages extend beyond logistics. Japan’s bus networks—essential local transportation lifelines—are also struggling. Many routes have been discontinued in recent years due to the 2024 regulations.
Some rural bus companies are recruiting newcomers relocating from major cities, while others are actively developing foreign drivers.
In some cases, international students at Japanese language schools work part-time cleaning buses while studying Japanese and practicing driving. With full support, some eventually obtain a Class-2 (bus) license and debut as professional bus drivers. Several companies also help applicants secure the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
Over the next year, we can expect to see even more practical examples of foreign driver training programs like these.
Why not consider starting your driving career in Japan?
What is “Foreign License Conversion”?
A system that allows holders of foreign driver’s licenses to switch to a Japanese driver’s license. Some academic or practical tests may be partially waived, reducing the burden on applicants. With company support, foreign workers can begin driving professionally in Japan more quickly.
More info (National Police Agency):
https://www.npa.go.jp/policies/application/license_renewal/have_DL_issed_another_country.html
What is the “Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1)” Visa?
A residency status that allows foreign workers to work in industries facing severe labor shortages, for up to five years. Applicants must pass skills tests and Japanese language exams. The trucking industry is included, and employers must provide lifestyle and workplace support.
More info (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/fna/ssw/jp/overview/
What is the “2024 Logistics Problem”?
A labor regulation introduced in April 2024 that limits overtime hours in the logistics sector. It reduces long-distance drivers’ working hours, worsening labor shortages and decreasing transportation capacity. Rising logistics costs and delivery delays are major concerns, pushing the industry toward structural reform.
Next Read
You can find a clear overview of the core structure of Japan’s foreign-resident system here:
Inside Japan’s New ESDP: What the Government’s Basic Policy Reveals
Source: Nikkei (Nov. 13, 2025)
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC134QC0T11C25A1000000/
