Aoi Transport Proves Commitment to Workforce Diversity with Driver Recruitment from Nepal

Aoi Transport's Commitment to Diversity Through Nepali Driver Recruitment

In a significant move to enhance its workforce, Aoi Transport Co., Ltd. has recently concluded the recruitment of four skilled drivers from Nepal. The company’s Executive Director, Shota Yazaki, undertook a recruitment mission to Kathmandu on October 14, aiming to meet the increasing demand for drivers in Japan, especially in the construction materials transportation sector. This initiative was realized in collaboration with Azstaff, a specialized staffing agency, and Kizuna H.R. Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a Nepali dispatch agency.

This marks Aoi Transport's second recruitment foray into Nepal in 2023, following an initial interview round held in August with Azstaff. The recent interviews brought in four promising candidates, all of whom possess valid Nepali driver's licenses and have successfully completed both the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and a skills assessment — essential criteria for becoming designated skilled workers in Japan.

The interview process was comprehensive. It began with face-to-face interviews that evaluated the candidates' driving experiences and their motivations for wanting to work in Japan. Following this, candidates were given the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding regarding job expectations. To further assess their skills, practical driving tests were conducted in which an interviewer accompanied each candidate for evaluation.

The driving tests were performed using microbuses at a local driving school in Nepal. This hands-on approach allowed interviewers to observe critical driving metrics, such as gear shifting techniques, clutch handling, and the candidates' ability to perform safety checks. Such practical evaluations helped to identify areas for improvement and gauge the overall readiness of the drivers.

Following the interview sessions, Shota Yazaki expressed optimism about the candidates' prospects, stating, "Nepali individuals are incredibly eager to work, and we hope to see them excel within our company. Our upcoming challenge is to ensure that they grasp our practices and standards here in Japan."

One of the candidates, Bajracharya Sundar, shared his aspirations post-interview: "I have a family of four, and my sister is already in Japan. Life in Nepal is enjoyable, but I am excited about the chance to go to Japan, work hard, and send earnings back to support my family."

Japanese-Style Traffic Education Program

The training program led by Azstaff is unique in its approach to preparing Nepali drivers for the Japanese working environment. They have stationed a former Japanese driving instructor, Kouji Kuroiwa, in Nepal to deliver comprehensive traffic education. The training consists of 80 hours in total: 40 hours of theoretical knowledge followed by 40 hours of practical driving lessons. This extensive program mirrors the time required to earn a driving license in Japan, thereby enhancing the readiness of these new drivers.

Given that Nepal uses left-side driving and right-handed vehicles — similar to Japan — the transition for these drivers is likely to be smooth. The calm personality traits of the Nepali people further make them suitable for careers in driving. With many individuals expressing a desire to work in Japan, the recruitment efforts are believed to be strategic and beneficial.

Azstaff’s Director of Operations, Aito Taniguchi, commented, "As Japan's driver shortage continues to worsen, the contributions of foreign drivers are becoming increasingly critical. We aim to maintain high standards in driver quality, which is why we prioritize thorough traffic education and reliable personnel recruitment."

This initiative by Aoi Transport does not only highlight the growing demand for foreign skilled workers in Japan but also showcases a promising pathway for the integration of Nepali professionals into Japan’s workforce.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to:

- Contact: Aito Taniguchi
- Phone: 050-8890-3418
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 4F 405, Umeda Pacific Building, 2-5-10 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan