"Illegal Taxi" Crackdown Hits Record 113 Cases—The Spread of Illegal Transportation Amid the Surge in Inbound Tourists and Safety Measures Travelers Can Take

1. What's Happening Now? —— The Reality of "A Record 113 Cases" of Crackdowns

According to reports based on interviews with the National Police Agency, the number of crackdowns on illegal taxi services from January to the end of October 2025 was 113 cases, the highest on record. The number of individuals apprehended was 102, with 53 being foreign nationals, accounting for more than half. This is the first time the proportion of foreign nationals has been revealed. NEWSjp

The important point here is that "illegal taxis being prominent" is not just an issue in certain tourist areas. Airports, ports, major stations, and popular tourist spots are obvious, but the visibility of "door-to-door transfers" on social media makes it easier to create demand even in rural areas. In fact, authorities have identified the inability of visitors to secure transportation at transit hubs like airports as a "transportation void" issue and are working on countermeasures. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau+1

2. What is an "Illegal Taxi"? —— The Decisive Difference from Legal Taxis

Definition of Illegal Taxi (Briefly)

Generally, "illegal taxi" refers to the act of providing paid transportation using private vehicles without (or outside the scope of) national permission. In the news, it is treated as "operating a taxi business without a permit." NEWSjp

The Core of Distinction from a Traveler's Perspective

In traveler education, the color of the license plate is emphasized first. Flyers distributed at airports by the Chubu Transport Bureau, for example, warn that "white license plates are illegal," and clearly state that the act of providing paid transportation using private vehicles without permission through ride-hailing apps is prohibited, and violators may face severe penalties. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

However, there are exceptions. If a white plate has a special design with a "green frame," it may be a licensed taxi, as noted in the same flyer. This can be confusing on-site, so it's worth remembering. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

3. Why Has It Increased? —— "Surge in Inbound Tourists × Globalization of Reservations × Supply Shortages"

(1) Arrangements Can Be Completed Before Arrival

It has been reported that illegal taxis can be arranged via smartphone apps or social media before arrival, leading to an increase in users. NEWSjp
From the traveler's perspective, it seems advantageous to be able to make reservations in advance without knowing Japanese and not getting lost at the airport, but this very "convenience" can become an expansion device for illegal activities.

(2) There Are Times and Places Where Legal Taxis Are Unavailable

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism explains that to supply the shortage in regions, times, and periods where taxis are lacking, they have established the "Japan-style ride-sharing (private vehicle utilization business)" under the management of taxi operators, utilizing general drivers. In other words, the legal side is also designing systems on the premise of "demand exceeding supply." Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

(3) Suspicion of "Name Lending" (Masquerading as Legal)

Reports indicate that there is a fear of an increase in urban hire car businesses with conditions such as "contracts over two hours" in urban areas, and illegal taxi drivers infiltrating through name lending, with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Police Agency gathering information. NEWSjp
This is tricky, as it creates an area where travelers might easily misinterpret "being able to book" as "legal."

4. The Risks of Using Illegal Taxis —— Sometimes Costlier Than "Cheap/Fast"

Official flyers for travelers specify that when using illegal taxis,

• there may be cases where you are questioned by the police

• there is a risk of not receiving compensation in case of injury in an accident
  are clearly stated risks. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

Furthermore, the same materials compare safety aspects, showing that legal taxis have elements such as "professional drivers," "alcohol checks before duty," "company response in case of accidents," and "mandatory insurance (e.g., over 80 million yen per passenger)," while illegal taxis cannot be expected to provide these (or they are unclear). Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

From here on, these are "types of troubles" travelers are likely to encounter (general points to note).

• Fare Troubles: No meter / Different from estimate / Cash only with high charges

• Confusion in Accident Response: Unclear insurance, contact, and business location, hindering procedures

• Safety Risks: Driving experience quality not guaranteed, fatigue from long hours, anxiety during late-night hours

• Crime/Fraud Victimization: Targeting tourists with "cash withdrawal" or "taking to another place" schemes (can occur regardless of country or region)

If the goal is to "complete the trip safely," transportation tends to be the "part you shouldn't skimp on the most."

5. How Is It Legally Treated? —— Illegal Taxis Are "Illegal"

Under Japan's system, there are frameworks for permits and registrations for businesses transporting passengers, and penalties are in place for unauthorized operations. For example, the penalty provisions of the Road Transportation Act stipulate "imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen" for certain violations. Lawzilla｜Reliable Legal Database

Additionally, educational materials for travelers clearly state that "violations may result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen, or both." Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

※The legal treatment of travelers (passengers) may vary depending on the case, so this article does not make definitive statements. However, since official flyers clearly state that "you may be questioned by the police if you use it," it should be noted that it is an act that "can also involve the user." Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau

6. For Inbound Travelers: A "Practical Checklist" to Avoid Illegal Taxis

From here, we summarize in a form that **foreigners (short-term travelers) coming to Japan** can use directly. The key is to "get on the legal path without hesitation."

A. Rules at Airports, Ports, and Stations

1. Take a taxi from the official taxi stand
   Even if someone around the airport arrival lobby approaches you with "Taxi?" "Cheaper," "Fixed price," etc., basically ignore them. Official stands have signage and often involve queuing. Narita Airport has announced that authorities, police, airport companies, and taxi associations are working together to hold meetings and conduct awareness activities (flyer distribution, calling out) to prevent illegal taxis. This indicates a reality where measures are being organized as "places where illegal taxis are likely to appear." Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau
   
   

2. Principle of Plate Colors: Green = Commercial, White = Private
   Traveler materials clearly warn that "white license plates are illegal." Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau
   However, since there is a note that white plates with a "green frame" in special designs may be legal taxis, if in doubt, "wait at the stand" or "check with airport staff" is safe. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Transport Bureau
   
   

3. Check In-Vehicle Displays and Receipts

• Whether fare display is by meter (or clear rules)

• Whether company name, vehicle number, and driver information are displayed

• Whether a receipt can be issued after payment

B. Tips When You Want to "Book via Ride-Hailing Apps"

• Prioritize services operated as official and legitimate taxi dispatches (especially in urban areas).

• Be cautious if the booking screen has vague labels like "Taxi," "Licensed taxi," or "Operating company."

• Avoid those with only overseas personal contact numbers, extreme cancellation policies, or cash-only payments.

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