Truck Driver Jobs in Japan 2026: Vacant Position List, Salary Guide & Application Links

Japan’s trucking industry is facing a severe and deepening labor shortage that has forced the government to open the doors to foreign drivers through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. The automobile transportation business field was added to the SSW program in March 2024, and the government has set a target of accepting up to 24,500 foreign workers over five years from April 2024 to March 2029 . The first SSW evaluation test for truck drivers was held in December 2024, with 45 candidates passing in the truck category alone . Major logistics companies like Asahi Logistics have already begun hiring foreign drivers, and companies across Japan are actively recruiting international talent for vacant truck driver positions. This guide provides everything you need to know about securing a truck driver job in Japan, including current vacant positions, salary data, visa requirements, application links, interview questions, and essential FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Truck Driver Jobs in Japan
2. Why Japan Needs Truck Drivers Now
3. Vacant Position Table (2026)
4. Salary Table by Position and Experience
5. Pros and Cons of Working as a Truck Driver in Japan
6. Visa Requirements for Foreign Truck Drivers
7. How to Apply: Application Links
8. Interview Questions for Truck Driver Jobs in Japan
9. 10 FAQs Before Conclusion
10. Conclusion
11. Helpful Links



Overview of Truck Driver Jobs in Japan

Truck driver jobs in Japan fall under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa for the automobile transportation business field. The work involves driving commercial vehicles (trucks) and all tasks related to driving, including loading, unloading, and vehicle inspection .

Common job titles for vacant positions include:

• Truck Driver (トラック運転手)
• Large Truck Driver (大型トラック運転手)
• Medium Truck Driver (中型トラック運転手)
• Trailer Driver (トレーラー運転手)
• Route Delivery Driver (ルート配送ドライバー)

The demand spans from long-haul freight and route delivery to specialized transport like tanker trucks and car carriers. Major hiring regions include Saitama, Nagano, Aichi, and nationwide logistics hubs .

Why Japan Needs Truck Drivers Now

Japan’s logistics industry is experiencing a critical labor shortage driven by demographic decline and the “2024 Problem” — new regulations limiting overtime for drivers that threaten to reduce transport capacity by up to 34% . Key factors include:

• Severe driver shortage: The industry faces a shortage of approximately 36,000 drivers, projected to grow to 94,000 by 2030
• Aging workforce: The average age of truck drivers continues to rise as young Japanese workers avoid the trade
• Government response: Automobile transportation was added to the SSW program in March 2024 with a target of 24,500 foreign workers over five years
• First hires underway: Major companies like Asahi Logistics have already hired foreign drivers through the SSW program

The government’s acceptance target reflects the scale of the crisis and the opportunity for foreign drivers .



Vacant Position Table (2026)

The table below lists vacant positions for truck drivers currently available in Japan. Availability changes frequently; always verify with the employer or Hello Work.

Salary Table by Position and Experience

Truck driver salaries in Japan vary significantly by license type, experience, and employer. The following data is based on salary survey data and actual job listings .

Salary growth is projected at 7% every two years and 18.5% over five years for truck drivers in Japan . Entry-level drivers can expect around ¥3.2-3.5 million annually, while senior drivers with 8+ years can earn up to ¥5.75 million .



Pros and Cons of Working as a Truck Driver in Japan

Pros

• Severe labor shortage: Extremely high job security and strong demand nationwide
• Competitive salary: Average annual salary around ¥4.8 million, with overtime and allowances boosting take-home pay
• No experience required for some positions: Several vacant positions welcome inexperienced drivers with full training
• Path to permanent residency: SSW No. 2 allows unlimited stay and family sponsorship
• Comprehensive benefits: Many positions include housing allowance, family allowance, accident-free bonus, and social insurance
• Skill development: Training programs available, including driver training facilities and license acquisition support
• Various allowances: Driver allowance (up to ¥49,680/month), perfect attendance bonus, no-accident bonus, and incentive payments

Cons

• Language barrier: Minimum JLPT N4 required, with N3 preferred for some positions
• Long working hours: Overtime of 50-70 hours per month is common
• Visa restrictions: SSW No. 1 limited to 5 years total with no family accompaniment
• Physical demands: Loading/unloading, early morning starts, and physically demanding work
• License requirements: Japanese driver’s license required; conversion process necessary for foreign licenses
• Early start times: Some positions start as early as 3:30 AM 



Visa Requirements for Foreign Truck Drivers

The primary visa for foreign truck drivers is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa for the automobile transportation business field.

SSW No. 1 Requirements

• Skill requirement: Pass the Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Trucks) AND hold a Class 1 Driver’s License
• Japanese requirement: Pass JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher
• Stay duration: Up to 5 years
• Family: Not permitted
• Permanent residency: Not available

SSW No. 2

• Stay: Unlimited (renewed periodically)
• Family: Spouse and children permitted
• Permanent residency: Possible

Additional Employer Requirements

• The employer must be a member of the Automobile Transportation Business Field SSW Council
• The employer must hold certification under the Driver Workplace Environment Certification System or be a Safety Excellent Business Establishment
• The employer must entrust support to a registered support organization that is also a council member 



How to Apply: Application Links

Below are official and verified application links for truck driver positions and visa processing in Japan.

Resource Link Description
SSW Official Portal (Automobile Transportation) https://www.ssw.go.jp/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/ Official SSW information for truck drivers
Immigration Services Agency (Automobile Transport) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/ssw/automobiletransportation Official visa policy information
Hello Work (Official Job Portal) https://www.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp Japan’s public employment service
Rework (SSW Truck Driver, Saitama) https://rework.nexly.co.jp/jobs/job-104701/ Maruwa Transport position, Yoshikawa
Rework (SSW Truck Driver, Nagano) https://rework.nexly.co.jp/jobs/job-104648/ Supermarket delivery position, Tomi
X-Work (Trailer Driver, Aichi) https://x-work.jp/driver/media_6387110 Takara Packing Transport position
SLBFE (Sri Lanka Foreign Employment) https://applications.slbfe.lk Official job order for Japan truck drivers
Sagawa Logistics (Foreign Driver Recruitment) https://jobs.51job.com/shenyang-shq/162837327.html Sagawa logistics driver position



Interview Questions for Truck Driver Jobs in Japan

Prepare for these common interview questions when applying for truck driver positions in Japan:

Motivation and Experience Questions

1. Why do you want to work as a truck driver in Japan? (なぜ日本でトラック運転手として働きたいのですか)
2. What type of driving experience do you have? (どのような運転経験がありますか)
3. What vehicles have you driven before? (これまでどのような車両を運転しましたか)

Safety and Driving Record Questions

4. Have you ever had a traffic accident or violation? (交通事故や違反をしたことはありますか)
5. How do you ensure safe driving? (安全運転をどのように心がけていますか)
6. What do you do when you feel tired while driving? (運転中に疲れを感じたとき、どうしますか)

Skills and Suitability Questions

7. What are your strengths and weaknesses? (あなたの長所と短所は何ですか)
8. How do you handle stressful situations? (ストレスの多い状況にどう対応しますか)
9. Are you comfortable with early morning starts and long hours? (早朝出勤や長時間労働は大丈夫ですか)

Japan-Specific Questions

10. How is your Japanese language ability? (日本語能力はどの程度ですか)
11. Can you work according to Japanese traffic rules and company policies? (日本の交通ルールと会社の方針に従って働けますか)
12. When can you start working? (いつから働けますか)

Answer Tips:

• For safety questions, emphasize your accident-free record and commitment to following rules
• For physical questions, mention specific habits like adequate sleep and breaks
• For Japan-specific questions, show willingness to learn Japanese traffic rules and adapt to Japanese work culture
• For violation questions, be honest — records are verifiable through the Driving Record Certificate 



FAQs

1. Can I work as a truck driver in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Most positions require at least JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic level Japanese to understand safety instructions and communicate with colleagues. Some positions require N3 for daily communication .

2. Do I need a Japanese driver’s license to work as a truck driver in Japan?
Yes. You must obtain a Japanese Class 1 Driver’s License. Foreign licenses can be converted through a designated process, which may require written and practical tests.

3. What is the maximum stay for truck driver jobs in Japan?
Under SSW No. 1, the maximum stay is 5 years total. Under SSW No. 2, there is no time limit, and you can apply for permanent residency .

4. Can my family come with me to Japan?
Only under SSW No. 2. Under SSW No. 1, family members cannot accompany you.

5. What is the average salary for truck drivers in Japan?
The average annual salary is approximately ¥4,176,961 to ¥4,800,254 across all levels. Entry-level is around ¥3.2-3.5 million, and senior level is up to ¥5.75 million .

6. Are there truck driver jobs for complete beginners?
Yes. Several positions welcome inexperienced drivers with training programs. Asahi Logistics has established driver training facilities and license acquisition support .

7. How do I apply for a truck driver job in Japan?
You can apply through Hello Work (public employment service), foreign worker job portals like Rework and X-Work, or directly through company websites. See the Application Links table above.

8. What tests do I need to pass for the SSW visa?
You must pass the Automobile Transportation Business Field Specified Skilled Worker (i) Test (Trucks) and hold a Class 1 Driver’s License, plus a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic) .

9. What are the working hours for truck drivers in Japan?
Typical hours vary widely. Some positions start at 5:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM , while others start at 3:30 AM . Overtime of 50-70 hours per month is common.

10. Can I change jobs after arriving in Japan?
Yes, under the SSW visa you can change jobs within the same industry sector (automobile transportation), unlike the Technical Intern Training program.



Conclusion

Japan’s trucking industry offers exceptional opportunities for foreign drivers through the Specified Skilled Worker visa program. With a government target of 24,500 foreign drivers over five years, severe labor shortage, and the first foreign drivers already being hired, the timing has never been better. Average salaries around ¥4.8 million, comprehensive training programs for inexperienced drivers, and a clear path to permanent residency through SSW No. 2 make this a viable long-term career.

The vacant positions listed in this article demonstrate the range of opportunities, from route delivery positions in Nagano to large truck and trailer positions nationwide. Success depends on meeting the language and license requirements, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and understanding the visa conditions. With the right preparation, foreign truck drivers can build stable and rewarding careers in Japan.



Helpful Links

SSW Official Portal (Automobile Transportation) https://www.ssw.go.jp/about/visa/automobile_transportation_business_1/
Immigration Services Agency of Japan https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
Hello Work (Public Employment Service) https://www.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp
Rework (SSW Truck Driver Jobs) https://rework.nexly.co.jp
X-Work (Driver Jobs) https://x-work.jp/driver
SLBFE (Official Job Orders) https://applications.slbfe.lk
Sagawa Logistics Recruitment https://jobs.51job.com
ERI Salary Data for Japan https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/truck-driver/japan
SalaryExpert Japan Data https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/transport-truck-driver/japan
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism https://www.mlit.go.jp



Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.