#Japan #Automotive Industry #Tokyo #Proud Partners #Skilled Drivers

Proud Partners Reaches a Significant Milestone

Proud Partners, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully placing a cumulative total of 200 skilled drivers in the automotive transportation sector. This accomplishment reflects the company’s commitment to address the severe driver shortage facing the industry, which is exacerbated by factors such as an aging workforce and difficulties in attracting younger talent.

As of June 15, 2026, Proud Partners has supported the immigration of eight UPA students who meet the visa requirements for Specified Skilled Workers (Category 1) along with two company employees. This initiative is particularly significant against the backdrop of a reported 151 specified skilled workers in the automotive sector as of December 2025, with the vast majority of the newly appointed drivers being current holders of the relevant visa.

Addressing the Driver Shortage

The automotive transport industry has been grappling with a critical shortage of drivers, leading to urgent calls for reform and innovative solutions. This issue was further underscored by changes to immigration policies in March 2024, which allowed for greater influx of foreign skilled workers into the transportation sector. Consequently, the Specified Skilled Worker evaluation exam for this field began in December 2024, paving the way for a systematic approach to onboarding new talent from abroad.

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the cap for accepting skilled drivers was set at 24,500 in March 2024 but has since been revised down to 22,100. This reflects the ongoing challenge of catering to the industry's needs while adhering to regulatory frameworks.

Growing Demand for Skilled Drivers

The increase in the number of successful applicants is noteworthy, given the ongoing ramp-up in recruitment efforts by major logistics companies across Japan. Most notably, the number of candidates taking both the skill and Japanese language proficiency exams has increased steadily over the years, indicating that trust and interest in the automotive sector are on the rise. In fact, approximately 84% of all candidates in the Specified Skilled Worker category are from the automotive sector, which is projected to expand rapidly in the future.

The Immigration Services Agency anticipates that, by 2028, the projected demand for workers in transportation will reach approximately 1,586,000 across various industries, with the prerequisite of recruiting 57,500 drivers for trucks alone. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing need for effective hiring strategies and immigration reforms to bring in skilled labor necessary for maintaining the industry’s infrastructure and service quality.

The Role of Proud Partners

Since its establishment in 2012, Proud Partners has emerged as a leader in facilitating the integration of foreign skilled labor into Japan’s socioeconomic framework. With over 7,841 successful placements across various sectors—including construction and food services—the company prides itself on creating a work environment where diversity and talent can thrive. Furthermore, Proud Partners echoes the sentiment: “You cannot choose where you are born, but you can choose where you live,” which underscores their mission to provide opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.

For inquiries regarding employing skilled workers, please visit Proud Partners Contact. For media inquiries, the President’s Office can be reached at [email protected].

About Proud Partners

• - Company Name: Proud Partners, Inc.
• - Established: July 2012
• - Headquarters: Shinjuku Front Tower 28F, 2-21-1 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• - Capital: 100 million yen (June 2024)
• - Employees: 126 (including offshore members)
• - Website: Proud Partners

In conclusion, Proud Partners’ milestone of placing 200 skilled drivers signifies a pivotal moment in Japan’s automotive industry, aiming to tackle the pressing driver shortage while enhancing the landscape of foreign labor contributions within the sector.