#Japan #Tokyo #Funai Soken #foreign drivers #Recruiting Solutions

Understanding the Recruitment of Foreign Drivers: A Seminar Overview

On August 6, 2026, Funai Soken's Supply Chain Consulting team participated as guest instructors in a seminar organized by Think Three, focused on the crucial theme of “Recruiting Foreign Drivers.” This event saw substantial participation from various companies, showcasing the pressing interest in utilizing foreign drivers amidst Japan's severe shortage of professionals in the logistics and transportation sectors.

Context and Trends in Driver Recruitment

The seminar emerged from a growing recognition of the challenges posed by a dwindling driver workforce in Japan. Many organizations are exploring foreign recruitment as a promising solution. However, concerns linger around where to start, the complexities of acquiring Japanese driving licenses, and risks associated with accidents or high turnover rates among foreign drivers. This hesitance often stymies proactive hiring approaches.

The seminar aimed to dismantle these barriers by providing insightful guidance. It covered the fundamentals of the “Specified Skilled Worker” program, current landscapes of driving license acquisition in Japan, and necessary safety training practices, supported by real-world examples.

Moreover, the consulting expertise from Funai Soken was instrumental in forecasting talent market dynamics for the next 5 to 10 years and addressing crucial barriers that small to medium-sized enterprises might face in establishing a reliable workforce.

Key Challenges Addressed

Feedback from participants highlighted that the seminar effectively tackled major challenges, including:

• - Persistent driver shortages despite continuous recruitment efforts.
• - Uncertainty about how to begin the process of recruiting foreign workers.
• - Fears surrounding potential accidents and premature departures of foreign drivers.

These points resonated deeply with audience members, illustrating the urgency of actionable solutions.

Seminar Program Highlights

The seminar was structured into two main sessions:
1. Overview of Foreign Driver Recruitment: This session, led by Think Three and Yamaguchi High School of Automotive, emphasized the current state of license acquisition and safety education for foreign drivers.
2. Strategic Human Resource Planning: The second session, presented by Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting’s consultant Takuma Kajiwara, posed essential questions about the necessity of foreign drivers in future workforce planning.

Event Logistics

• - Date and Time: August 6, 2026, from 13:30 to 15:00
• - Format: Offline at Yamaguchi High School of Automotive
• - Participation Fee: Free with prior registration
• - Organizer: Think Three Corporation

About the Speaker

Takuma Kajiwara, Team Leader and Consultant in Funai Soken’s Logistics Business Support Division, was a pivotal speaker at the event. His expertise encompasses driver and warehouse worker recruitment consulting, along with strategies for new client acquisition and rate negotiations within the logistics sector. Kajiwara’s focus is on empowering companies with tailored solutions to meet their unique recruitment challenges effectively.

Conclusion

The seminar hosted by Think Three and led by Funai Soken is a critical step towards alleviating Japan’s pressing driver shortage. By providing concrete implementation strategies and addressing common concerns, such initiatives can help businesses make informed decisions about incorporating foreign drivers into their workforce.

For further insights and resources about this subject, participants can access additional materials and related documents here.