Taro's Blog

In a parallel universe, I would be a bus driver. Today was my first day at the driving school in Komagane, Nagano. I had two sets of 50-minute driving sessions with an instructor. Driving a bus was an art form. You have to drive the vehicle in a very, very smooth way, like a good silk. Subtle and delicate touches by your feet are essential (to operate the clutch, brake, and accelerator). The instructor said, “Have you seen a bus with child seats or seat belts?” He continued, “A bus driver is expected to be an excellent driver who can consistently start the vehicle, drive it, and stop it in a very smooth way.” “What if you stop your bus unexpectedly or suddenly, the standing passengers might fall down, right?”

I realized that a bus driver would be the pinnacle of the driving profession. With the license for bus driving, you can also drive a large truck, taxi, or 運転代行 (designated driving service). This is analogous to a commercial airline pilot in the aviation industry. A bus driver shall be called “Captain,” in my opinion.

I believe flying a commercial airline is easier than driving a bus (I am excluding the airplane taxiing and emergencies. I am just referring strictly to the flying part, from taking off, airborne, and touchdown in a normal condition.)

Sadly, bus drivers are one of the most underappreciated professions in Japan. They work in shifts, on low salary, with no side jobs allowed, and are not allowed to commute using public transportation. No wonder the number of bus drivers does not meet demand, and bus companies are trying to recruit more drivers.