Enhancing the Workforce: July Meeting of Foreign Driver Empowerment Division

Strengthening the Logistics Workforce: The Meeting on Foreign Driver Empowerment

The logistics industry in Japan is at a significant turning point. With a shortage of approximately 288,000 drivers expected by 2029, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is proposing strategies to recruit foreign talent. On July 7, 2026, Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting will host a meeting aimed at addressing the challenges faced by logistics companies in hiring and developing foreign drivers. This initiative, known as the "Foreign Driver Empowerment Division," aims to share practical know-how on all aspects of this process.

Special Guest Speaker

At this meeting, Watanabe Masaru from Nagano Flow Co., Ltd., who has implemented effective recruitment strategies for specified skilled drivers, will be the keynote speaker. He will share real insights from the hiring process to training and on-the-job independence of foreign drivers, discussing not only the successes but also the difficulties faced by companies in the field. Key points of discussion will include management techniques specifically geared towards foreign drivers and the collaborative efforts with registration support organizations.

Background of the Foreign Driver Empowerment Division

Japan's logistics sector is undergoing a transformation, with ongoing discussions on work style reforms and salary increases. However, according to estimates from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, these domestic countermeasures have not fully resolved the driver shortage crisis. This meeting is timely as it aligns with the government's blueprint to accept up to 24,500 foreign drivers between 2024 and 2028 under the specified skills system. The systematic inclusion and cultivation of foreign drivers are anticipated to play a pivotal role in sustaining and growing businesses in the logistical domain.

Key Themes and Meeting Overview

The meeting will provide focused insights on the following areas to equip companies with actionable strategies:

1. Recruitment Strategies: Exploration of the latest trends in the specified skills system, selection of recruitment channels, and effective evaluation methods.
2. Building an Inclusive Environment: Preparation and support frameworks for newcomers, relationship-building between foreign and Japanese staff, and internal regulations.
3. Education and Empowerment: Implementing comprehensive systems for Japanese language education, safety training, and industry terminology education.
4. Management and Retention: Developing communication measures, evaluation systems, and support for career development.

Agenda for the Day

First Session: Guest Presentation

- Topic: "Real-Life Chronicles: The First Year of a Specified Skilled Driver - What Companies Should Know Ahead of Time"
- Speaker: Watanabe Masaru, Safety and Development Manager at Nagano Flow Co., Ltd.
- Overview: Key insights into the real practices surrounding the employment and independence of specified skilled drivers will be shared.

Second Session: Information Exchange Forum

- Overview: Participants will glean firsthand information from dozens of successful case studies and practical know-how shared by different companies on all aspects of foreign driver utilization.

Third Session: Funai Lecture

- Topic: "Navigating Complexities in Accepting Specified Skilled Drivers"
- Speaker: Takuma Kajiwara, Chief Consultant at Funai Soken SC
- Overview: Discussion centered on common challenges faced by receiving companies and actionable solutions based on multiple interviews with transport companies.

Meeting Details

- Date & Time: July 7, 2026, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Location: Funai Soken Group Tokyo Headquarters, Sustain Growth Square Tokyo (Yaesu)
- Target Audience: This meeting is particularly beneficial for business owners and HR personnel aiming to create future-focused recruitment strategies, those seeking current trends in the specified skills system, and companies encountering challenges in hiring and retaining foreign drivers.

For more details, visit our special page: Funai Soken Event Page