Introduction

On June 1, 2026, a Vietnamese national was arrested for the third time in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, for operating an unlicensed taxi service, commonly known as a “white taxi” operation. The fare charged was 14,000 yen for a round trip between Toyohashi City and Chubu Centrair International Airport—approximately 80,000 yen less expensive than regular taxi services. While this may appear to be an “attractive deal,” it constitutes a clear criminal violation under Japanese law.

This news carries crucial lessons for foreign residents in Japan and companies employing foreign workers. As an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi) with extensive experience handling visa and residence status applications, I will analyze this case in detail and explain the legal issues foreign residents and employers should understand in practical terms.

1. Why “White Taxi” Operations Are Illegal in Japan

Definition of White Taxi Operations

A “white taxi” refers to providing paid passenger transportation services without obtaining the proper licenses required for commercial transportation services. In Japan, the Road Transport Act mandates that anyone operating taxi or bus services for hire must obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (in practice, from regional transport bureaus).

Why Such Strict Regulation?

Passenger transportation is strictly regulated for three primary reasons:

  1. Safety Assurance: Standards exist for driver qualifications, vehicle safety requirements, and mandatory insurance to protect passengers.
  2. Consumer Protection: Systems are required for appropriate pricing standards, complaint handling, and user rights protection.
  3. Fair Market Competition: The licensing system maintains fair market competition and protects legitimate operators.

Unlicensed operations do not meet these standards, leaving passenger safety cannot be guaranteed and compensation inadequate in case of accidents.

Penalties for Road Transport Act Violations

Violations of Article 78 of the Road Transport Act (unlicensed operation) carry severe penalties: up to 3 years imprisonment or fines up to 3 million yen (or both). This is considered a serious criminal offense in Japan.

2. Key Features and Issues in This Case

Repeated Violations

The arrested individual had been previously arrested twice for similar offenses, making this the third arrest—a particularly serious matter.

Continuing the activity after the first arrest indicates:

  • A failure to understand the seriousness of Japanese law
  • Possible underlying economic hardship
  • Misinformation circulating within the community (“It’s okay if you don’t get caught”)

Regardless of the reason, repeated violations are viewed extremely seriously in both criminal proceedings and immigration reviews.

Vietnamese National Customers

In this case, the customers were also Vietnamese nationals. This suggests service provision within a foreign-resident community, potentially through social media or word-of-mouth recruitment.

While such community-based services offer advantages like “communication in native language” and “low cost,” they carry the risk of involvement in illegal activities.

3. How Criminal Violations Affect Immigration Status

Relationship Between Criminal Penalties and Immigration Status

When a foreign resident holding a valid residence status receives criminal penalties or convictions in Japan, the following serious consequences may affect their immigration status:

1. Denial of Period of Stay Extension The requirement of good conduct is a critical requirement in extension reviews. Criminal penalties or convictions significantly increase the likelihood of failing to meet this requirement.

2. Revocation of Status of Residence Under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, residence status can be revoked for fraudulent applications, obtaining status through illegal means, or failing to engage in status-appropriate activities for extended periods.

3. Deportation (Forced Removal) Particularly for repeat offenses or serious crimes (imprisonment exceeding one year), deportation becomes possible.

Outlook in This Case

Given that this individual:

  • Was arrested for the third time
  • Repeated the same violation
  • Showed no signs of remorse or improvement

Renewal of residence status appears extremely difficult. Forced deportation is a realistic possibility.

4. Why “I Didn’t Know” Is Not a Valid Defense

Treatment of “Ignorance” Under Japanese Law

Under Japanese criminal law, “not knowing the law” generally does not prevent criminal liability from being established (Article 38, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code). This is because allowing “ignorance-based violations” would undermine the effectiveness of the legal system.

Strictness in Immigration Reviews

The same applies to immigration reviews. Claims of “not knowing Japanese law” are interpreted as:

  • Lack of ability to adapt to Japanese society
  • A low level of legal compliance awareness

These actually become negative factors in the review.

Responsibilities of Foreign Residents

Foreign residents in Japan bear the responsibility to “understand and comply with Japanese law.” This is a fundamental prerequisite for permission to reside in Japan.

5. Why Do Such Cases Keep Happening?

Underlying Factors

1. Economic Hardship Financial pressures from living expenses in Japan and remittances to home countries can motivate illegal activities.

2. Lack of Legal Knowledge Insufficient understanding of the Japanese legal system, or activities that may be legal in one’s home country creating a weak awareness of illegality.

3. Community Information Sharing Misinformation like “everyone does it” or “there are ways to avoid being caught” can spread.

4. Language Barriers Insufficient Japanese proficiency prevents access to accurate legal information.

How the Cycle Escalates

  1. Economic hardship → illegal activity
  2. Arrest → fines and legal fees worsen financial situation
  3. Anxiety about immigration status → desperation can lead to repeated illegal activity
  4. Repeated arrests → status revocation/deportation
  5. Loss of everything

Breaking this cycle requires early consultation with specialists.

6. What Foreign Residents Should Check Before Starting Side Work

What to Check Before Starting Side Work

1. Is it Permitted Under Your Status of Residence? For example, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status does not permit simple manual labor.

2. Does the Business Require Licenses or Qualifications? Many industries—transportation, food service, construction—require permits and qualifications.

3. Your Main Employer’s Work Rules Some companies prohibit side jobs.

Where to Seek Help When in Trouble

  • Immigration Lawyers (Gyoseishoshi): Visa and residence status consultation
  • Attorneys (Bengoshi): Criminal cases, criminal or legal troubles
  • Foreign Resident Support Centers: Municipal and support organization services
  • Your Country’s Embassy/Consulate: Support during legal troubles

The Danger of “A Little Bit is Okay” Thinking

As this case demonstrates, thinking “just a little” or “I won’t get caught” can lead to irreversible consequences.

  • Loss of residence status can mean losing one’s foundation for living in Japan
  • Forced deportation = Separation from family, career disruption
  • Criminal record = Difficulty with future re-entry and visa acquisition

These risks far outweigh any short-term financial gain.

7. How Employers Should Manage Compliance Risks

Corporate Responsibilities

When foreign employees engage in illegal activities, companies may face:

1. Management and Supervisory Responsibilities The company’s management system may be questioned regarding employee actions.

2. Impact on Immigration Applications Reviews may become stricter when the company applies for residence status for other foreign workers.

3. Corporate Image Damage Perceived compliance failures can damage social credibility.

Practical Response Measures

1. Onboarding Orientation

  • Basic Japanese legal knowledge (especially criminal violations)
  • Scope of activities permitted under residence status
  • Policies and procedures regarding side work

Provide materials in employees’ native languages and explain them thoroughly.

2. Regular Compliance Training Conduct compliance training for foreign employees 1-2 times annually.

3. Establish Consultation Channels Set up internal or external channels for economic difficulties and legal consultation.

4. Immigration Status Management HR departments should centrally manage each employee’s residence status and renewal deadlines, providing advance notice of renewal periods.

Response When Violations Are Discovered

  1. Fact Verification: Calmly and carefully confirm the facts
  2. Consult Specialists: Promptly consult immigration lawyers and attorneys
  3. Report to Immigration: Make appropriate reports where necessary
  4. Prevention Measures: Alert all employees and strengthen training

8. Support Immigration Lawyers Can Provide

Preventive Support

1. Proper Understanding of Residence Status Detailed explanations of activities permitted under each residence status.

2. Consultation for Side Jobs/Job Changes Confirm that no residence-status issues exist before starting new activities.

3. Corporate Compliance Training Provide legal knowledge on foreign worker employment to HR managers and foreign employees.

Support When Trouble Occurs

1. Assessment of Immigration Impact Professional analysis of how violations affect residence status.

2. Support During Extension Applications Even with past violations, proper explanations and demonstrated remorse can help improve the likelihood of approval.

3. Coordination with Attorneys For criminal cases, coordinate with criminal defense lawyers to provide support on both criminal and immigration fronts.

9. Summary: Legal Compliance is the Foundation of Everything

This “white taxi” arrest case conveys these important messages:

  1. “I Didn’t Know” Doesn’t Work: Living in Japan means you have an obligation to understand and follow Japanese law.
  2. Small Violations Lead to Big Consequences: Casual thinking like “just a little” can result in irreversible loss of residence status.
  3. Repetition is Fatal: Everyone can make one mistake, but repeated violations are judged as showing a lack of willingness to improve.
  4. Corporate Responsibility Matters: Companies employing foreign workers bear responsibility for proper education and management systems.
  5. Early Consultation is Critical: When troubled or uncertain, early consultation with specialists can prevent major problems.

Conclusion

To live and work securely in Japan, correctly understanding and complying with the law is essential. And this is not difficult at all.

If you have any concerns or questions about residence status, visas, or Japanese law, please feel free to consult with specialists. Addressing small concerns early can help build a secure and stable life in Japan.

As immigration lawyers, we are committed to supporting foreign residents to live securely in Japan and helping companies employing foreign workers establish appropriate compliance and management systems.

Source: Yahoo! News “Vietnamese National Arrested for Repeated ‘White Taxi’ Operations—Charged 80,000 Yen Less Than Regular Fare”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/bf7b80649f838474b7b434b4ccb5ab46541cd229

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