Growing up in Canada, Greg Stinson never imagined he would one day become a taxi driver — especially not on the other side of the world in Tokyo.

“I didn’t have some childhood dream to be a taxi driver,” said the 34-year-old, who joined cab firm Hiro Kotsu Co. late last August. “People have negative opinions and not-so-negative opinions about the taxi industry, but it seemed really interesting as a way for me to have a new experience in Japan.”

Hiro , which operates in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, began actively recruiting non-Japanese drivers last spring. The company already employed a handful of drivers from overseas and had been impressed with their performance. It was also keen to capitalize on the record number of tourists that have been flocking to Japan.

Like many sectors in the country, the taxi industry is feeling the effects of the labor crunch caused …

Read More

Let’s get it straight – don’t let anybody tell you driving a taxi is the way to a guaranteed easy life. Like every line of business, cab driving has its challenges as well as its rewards.

First and foremost, you’re dealing with people, all the time. If you’re a people person – and many of us are – then taxi driving can offer a fabulous outlet for your interests and personality. Taxi drivers are, rightly, famed for sharing their opinions, after all! You can also make some pretty decent tips in the taxi business, especially if you’re good at getting on with your customers. If you don’t really enjoy chatting to lots of people on a regular basis, then maybe cab driving isn’t the answer for you.

As well as a way of life that means meeting new people all the time, the cab trade also gives thousands of workers …

Read More

While visiting Australia about six years ago, I received a surprising lesson on the ETR principle of “Living Rich” from my taxi driver.

I had just finished a hectic two-day business trip in Sydney and was ready to go home. When I got into my taxi for the half-hour ride to the airport, my thoughts were on all the things I had to do once I got back.

The taxi driver explained that there were several routes he could take to the airport; however, he recommended only one of them because of the time of day. I commented that he seemed to know his business.

“I guess I do,” he said.

He then went on to tell me his story – one of the most unusual stories I have ever heard . . .

My taxi driver (I’m embarrassed to admit that I never did ask his name) had been …

Read More