Taxi Day

What Is Taxi Day?

Every August 5th is "Taxi Day" (タクシーの日, Takushī no Hi) in Japan. It was established in 1984 by the Tokyo Passenger Vehicle Association (now the Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association), and in 1989 the national federation of taxi operators (now the Japan Federation of Hire-Taxi Associations) made it a nationwide observance. The date comes from August 5, 1912 (the first year of the Taisho era), when "Taxi Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha," based near Sukiyabashi Bridge in Yurakucho, Tokyo, is said to have begun Japan's first taxi service. It is a day to take a fresh look at taxis as an everyday means of transport and at the work of the drivers who keep them running safely.

A History That Began with Six Cars at Sukiyabashi

Japan's taxi industry started with just six cars, in the year the Meiji era gave way to Taisho.

• Six Ford Model Ts: The company began with six American-made Ford Model T cars. Records say they operated from bases at Ueno and Shimbashi stations.
• Meters from day one: The very first taxis were fitted with fare meters. The fare was 60 sen for the first mile and 10 sen for every additional half mile, with night and rain/snow surcharges modeled on rickshaw fares. It was quite a luxury at the time.
• The start date is debated: August 5 is the commonly cited date, but some point to newspaper advertisements of the time suggesting service began on August 15, so the exact date remains uncertain.

The Arrival of the "Entaku"

As taxis spread, fares varied widely and complaints grew, so in 1924 taxis charging a flat fare of 1 yen within Osaka city appeared. They were called "entaku" (one-yen taxis) and reached Tokyo two years later. The word often appears in Showa-era novels and films.

Taxi Trivia

• Japan's distinctive "automatic doors": The system that lets the driver open and close the rear left door with a lever is a feature of Japanese taxis. It is rarely seen abroad, except in places such as Hong Kong that use Japanese-spec vehicles.
• Many shapes of roof lights: The company sign on the roof is nicknamed "andon" (lantern). Shapes include half-cylinders, rugby balls, spheres and stars, and swirl-shaped or paper-lantern-shaped signs are reserved for independent (kojin) taxis.
• Emergency signals: If a robbery or other emergency happens inside the car, the roof light can flash or the display can show "SOS" to alert people outside.
• Universal design (UD) taxis: More vehicles now have ramps that let wheelchair users ride without leaving their chairs, which also helps older people and parents with strollers.

Ideas for Taxi Day

• Try the convenient features of today's taxis, such as ride-hailing apps and cashless payment.
• Say a quick hello to the driver when you get in, and enjoy a pleasant ride.
• Take a walk around Yurakucho and Sukiyabashi, where Japan's first taxis set out.
• Look at the shapes and colors of roof lights on the taxis passing by.

From Six Fords to the City's Everyday Ride

August 5th is a day to look at how taxis have developed. The service that began over 100 years ago with six Ford Model Ts at Sukiyabashi is now a familiar presence supporting our travel day and night. On a sudden rainy day, when carrying heavy bags, or after missing the last train, having a ride we can count on is part of what makes city life feel secure. Next time you take a taxi, spare a thought for that history.