Japan’s logistics industry is increasingly looking overseas for help as a growing labor shortage puts pressure on the country’s supply chains. Trucking companies are hiring more foreign drivers, particularly from Vietnam and Indonesia, to keep goods moving across the nation.
The recruitment push comes as Japan faces a shrinking and aging population, which has reduced the number of available workers. At the same time, stricter overtime regulations introduced to improve working conditions have limited the number of hours truck drivers can legally work. While the reforms aim to protect employees from overwork, industry leaders say they have also deepened the shortage of drivers
Logistics companies warn that without urgent action, delivery delays could become more common, affecting businesses and consumers alike. Supermarkets, manufacturers, and e-commerce firms depend heavily on reliable trucking services to maintain daily operations.
To address the gap, firms are expanding recruitment programs abroad, offering training and language support to foreign workers. Many companies are working through government-approved visa programs that allow skilled workers to enter Japan in sectors experiencing serious labor shortages.
Industry experts say foreign drivers are becoming an essential part of Japan’s transportation network. However, they note that challenges remain, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the need for long-term integration policies.
As Japan continues to grapple with demographic decline, businesses are expected to rely more on overseas talent to sustain critical industries. For the trucking sector, the road ahead may depend not only on domestic reforms but also on global recruitment efforts.
