April marks one year since ride-hailing services were legalized in Japan ¡ª albeit in a limited form. While the services continue to gradually expand nationwide, there are growing calls for a broader and more flexible implementation.
On Friday, the Kansai-centered regional opposition party Nippon Ishin no Kai submitted a bill to parliament proposing that private ride-hailing services be allowed at all times without restrictions in order to meet the population¡¯s need for transportation.
Ride-hailing in Japan is currently limited to private drivers affiliated with licensed taxi companies. These drivers can only operate during specific days and time slots ¡ª typically periods when local authorities determine there is a taxi shortage, such as from midnight to 3 a.m. on weekends.
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