#Japan #Tokyo #Uzbekistan #Proud Partners #Izumi Logistics

Proud Partners and Izumi Logistics Collaborate to Train Uzbek Drivers for the Japanese Market

In a significant step towards addressing the pressing driver shortage in Japan's logistics sector, Proud Partners Co., Ltd. has announced a partnership with Izumi Logistics Co., Ltd. to jointly train 300 Uzbek drivers. This initiative is part of a broader project focused on developing specialized skills for the transportation industry, which involves collaboration with the Uzbekistan government's immigration office.

Project Overview

The driver training program is part of a larger recruitment effort, targeting a total of 500 drivers from Uzbekistan. Of these, 300 will receive training through this partnership. The goal is for these skilled workers to be ready to join Japan's workforce upon their arrival, providing immediate value as they contribute to logistics operations. The training will encompass safety standards set by Izumi Logistics, ensuring that drivers are well-prepared based on Japanese road regulations and operational practices.

Izumi Logistics is a key player in Japan's logistics landscape, responsible for delivering goods from manufacturers and distribution centers to various retail outlets, including convenience stores and medical facilities. The logistics industry as a whole is grappling with a demand for drivers, particularly highlighted by the addition of truck drivers to Japan's specified skills visa program in March 2024. Addressing this need, Izumi Logistics launched the
recruitment project for foreign drivers this August, highlighting their commitment to bringing in international talent to fill the gaps in their workforce.

Proud Partners' Mission

Proud Partners aims to create an inclusive work environment for foreign talent to contribute effectively to Japanese society, primarily focusing on sectors such as construction and food services. In total, they have successfully supported over 5,700 individuals across 1,381 companies and 3,624 establishments. As per their recent initiatives, they will also put efforts into addressing the driver shortage in the domestic transport industry through this specialized skills development project in collaboration with the Uzbekistan government.

Starting September 2025, the project aims to train drivers with foundational knowledge of safety driving practices that adhere to Japanese traffic rules. This comprehensive coaching will ensure that participants emerge as competent drivers ready to integrated seamlessly within Japan's transport systems.

Current Recruitment Status

To kickstart the process, as of now, Proud Partners is in the midst of a second round of candidate recruitment from Uzbekistan, targeting a cohort for training beginning in January 2026. Prospective trainees will gather at vocational training centers supported by the Uzbekistan government, where they will partake in an extensive 6 to 8 months of training. This includes Japanese language education along with driving skills courses tailored to meet Japan's standards, all free of charge to the candidates.

Educational Framework

Throughout this training, the program will focus on various critical aspects, including:

• - Fatigue Management: Addressing long-distance driving fatigue.
• - Adverse Weather Handling: Ensuring safe driving practices under different weather conditions.
• - Urban Parking: Developing effective parking techniques within city environments.

Furthermore, the curriculum will ensure in-depth understanding of Japanese traffic rules and road signage through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical hands-on training. Participants will also engage in emergency response simulations to prepare them for potential challenges on the road, fostering a deeper understanding and resilience in unforeseen circumstances.

Partnership Goals

Commenting on the partnership, representatives from Izumi Logistics emphasize their commitment to creating a versatile logistics workforce, transcending barriers of nationality, gender, and age. By integrating Proud Partners' educational expertise, practical experience, and international network, the aim is to cultivate a safe and supportive working environment for all trainees. There’s optimism for a future where logistics education becomes a shared international initiative, paving the way for diverse talent to thrive in Japan's bustling economy.

Through this strategic collaboration, both Proud Partners and Izumi Logistics are gearing up to enhance the readiness of drivers from Uzbekistan, enabling them to bridge the gap in Japan's transport sector effectively. As the recruitment process unfolds, all eyes will be on the partnership to create meaningful employment opportunities and nurture a new generation of skilled logistics professionals.