# Japanese regional bus driver shortages

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-regional-bus-driver-shortages
> Updated: 2026-10-25T02:11:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Various regions in Japan are implementing recruitment initiatives to combat critical shortages of bus and taxi drivers. 

In Fukuoka Prefecture, local authorities and public transportation providers have launched a series of recruitment events. These include bus driving experience sessions and joint information meetings across the Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Chikuho, and Chikugo areas, scheduled to run from November 2026 through February 2027.

Similar efforts are being observed in other parts of the country. In Kushiro, Hokkaido, the Kushine District Bus Association organized an event where participants practiced driving route buses on a testing course. In northern Kyoto Prefecture, the Kyoto Northern Region Public Transport Activation Council held a ‘Bus Experience Fair’ in Yosano Town, featuring bus rides, driving experiences, and garage tours to attract new personnel to the industry.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Japan regions hold bus driving experiences to combat driver shortages

Regions in Hokkaido and Kyoto are hosting bus driving experiences and career fairs to address ongoing shortages of public transportation drivers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-regions-hold-bus-driving-experiences-to-combat-driver-shortages

### 2026-10-16: Fukuoka Prefecture launches recruitment events to address bus driver shortage

Fukuoka Prefecture is hosting bus driving experience sessions and recruitment events across multiple regions to combat the shortage of bus and taxi drivers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fukuoka-prefecture-launches-recruitment-events-to-address-bus-driver-shortage

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Cite as: Japanese regional bus driver shortages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-regional-bus-driver-shortages