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Oct 01 2010 7 Comments

Japanese workers (having a tough time) working #34

In these fraught economic times, combined with far from economic fares, it’s a tough time indeed for Japan’s tens of thousands of taxi drivers.

And, if that wasn’t enough, it’s a job made all the more complicated when the streets are so congested that it’s not always possible to collect those who are financially comfortable enough to actually call a cab.

Japanese taxi driver

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lizzy says

    10/1/2010 at 9:34 pm

    Wow. It seems almost silly to be driving down that road. I wonder if his spedometer is equipped to register meters per hour?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/2/2010 at 5:39 pm

      The fare can go up at such an alarming rate Lizzy they may well register millimetres per hour!

      Reply
  2. Grass Jelly says

    10/2/2010 at 3:23 am

    Taxis are by far the most comfortable form of public transportation in Tokyo, but unfortunately also the most expensive. I felt like a country hick the first time I tried to open and close the automatic doors.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/2/2010 at 5:42 pm

      Yes, the automatic doors take some getting used to don’t they?

      I find Japanese taxis strangely comforting as the doily-like seat coverings remind me of being in my grandmother’s house when I was a child.

      Reply
  3. Ken C says

    10/4/2010 at 4:57 pm

    I like the look of relief on the driver’s face when the gaijin actually knows where he wants to go.

    Reply
  4. SugarPunk says

    10/10/2010 at 2:08 am

    Great photo of the elderly driver – but they still keep their cool – we handed over our 10000 yen note apologetically for a 600 yen ride but the driver managed to make change most graciously. Ok 600 yen for 200 metres…

    Reply
  5. Tokyobling says

    10/19/2010 at 6:23 pm

    Great shot. Yeah, driving through China town might not be the best of choices, I always wonder why the local politicians allow cars in there?!

    Reply

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