In January 2026, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) revised the Japanese-language requirement for bus and taxi drivers under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) "Motor Vehicle Transport Industry" sector. Previously a B1-equivalent level (roughly JLPT N3) was mandatory; now A2.2 level is accepted where certain conditions are met, such as an accompanying Japanese-language support person. The truck driver requirement (JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 or higher) is unchanged.
Background to the Revision
The SSW "Motor Vehicle Transport Industry" sector was established by cabinet decision in March 2024, with truck, taxi, and bus divisions targeting a combined intake of 24,500 workers over five years from April 2024. Because bus and taxi drivers communicate directly with passengers, a relatively high Japanese-language level (N3-equivalent or above) was initially required — but amid a severe driver shortage, calls grew to ease it.
Details of the Relaxation
| Category | Previous Requirement | After January 2026 Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 or higher | Unchanged |
| Bus | B1-equivalent (N3-level) or higher | A2.2 level accepted for some scheduled bus routes (conditional on a Japanese-language support person, etc.) |
| Taxi | B1-equivalent (N3-level) or higher | A2.2 level accepted in certain cases |
- MLIT revised the Japanese-language requirement for SSW bus and taxi drivers in January 2026
- A2.2 level is now accepted under conditions, alongside the existing B1-equivalent (N3-level) standard
- Buses require conditions such as an accompanying Japanese-language support person; taxis apply under certain conditions
- Truck driver requirements (JFT-Basic A2 / N4 or higher) remain unchanged
Impact on Employers
For bus and taxi operators, securing candidates who met the N3-level requirement had been a hiring bottleneck. The relaxation should broaden the eligible candidate pool. However, since A2.2-level hiring is conditional on measures such as an accompanying Japanese-language support person, employers should confirm in advance whether their operating format qualifies.
Summary
- MLIT relaxed the Japanese-language requirement for SSW "Motor Vehicle Transport Industry" bus and taxi drivers in January 2026
- A2.2 level is now accepted under conditions, alongside the existing B1-equivalent (N3-level) standard
- Truck driver requirements (JFT-Basic A2 / N4 or higher) are unchanged
- Employers should confirm whether their operating format qualifies for the relaxed conditions
If you have questions about SSW "Motor Vehicle Transport Industry" hiring requirements, please feel free to contact Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent). Initial consultations are free.
⚖️ Expert Commentary from a Licensed Gyoseishoshi
📋 Practical Impact
This is welcome news for the bus and taxi industries facing a severe driver shortage, but hiring at the A2.2 level entails additional staffing costs, such as an accompanying Japanese-language support person. The relaxed conditions vary by operating format, so case-by-case confirmation is essential.
✅ Actions to Take Now
Check MLIT's published materials to confirm whether your operating format qualifies for the relaxed requirement, and consider the support structure needed for A2.2-level candidates. For consultations, contact Sakura Central Legal Office.