"Don't Slam Taxi Doors"…Why Are Japanese Taxis Equipped with Automatic Doors? [Nichiyoubi Culture]

Driver door-opening hospitality culture... Labor-saving machine born
Despite introduction controversy, popularized around 1964 Tokyo Olympics

There are many stories surrounding Japanese taxis. People say things like "They are expensive, so you shouldn't take them casually" or "Don't get in until the door opens for you." In fact, one of the most confusing things for foreigners visiting Japan for the first time is how to open the taxi door.

Japanese media have also published several analytical articles on "Why are Japanese taxi doors automatic?" Today, we will share some stories about Japan's taxi system, which is quite different from that of Korea.

The appearance of a Japanese taxi. (Photo by Japan Transportation Yamaguchi City Office)

The Olympic Games as the Reason for the Adoption of Automatic Doors

In Japanese taxis, the rear passenger doors are automatic. It is common to have "automatic opening and closing doors" that open and close remotely by pressing a button from the driver's seat. Japanese companies have tried several times to export this system overseas, but the only places where it succeeded were some countries like Hong Kong. It never took hold in Europe or the United States.

The company that first developed these automatic opening and closing doors is a small to medium-sized enterprise called Toshin Tech in Aichi Prefecture, which currently holds 90% of the domestic market. Essentially, you could say that this company makes almost all taxi doors. The founder of the company started development after hearing from someone in the taxi industry who said, "It would be convenient if the driver could open and close the door while sitting."

In the past, Japanese taxi drivers used to get out first and open and close the door for passengers as part of customer service. There were concerns about accidents or troubles caused by passengers opening the door unilaterally and colliding with cars or motorcycles behind them. However, getting out every time to open and close the door was quite bothersome. They thought that if there was a device that could remotely open and close the door at the right timing, it would reduce the driver's burden and ensure safety. So, working with inventors, they developed automatic doors using pressure differences inside the engine and started supplying them to taxi companies and automobile workshops.

Automatic opening and closing device invented by Tosin Tech. (Photo by Tosin Tech)

However, it was not easy for the system to take root at first. Initially, there was a strong perception that "automatic doors are a luxury." So, the company struggled to survive on automatic doors alone and kept afloat with sales from vehicle air conditioners and other products.

Then, the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the first held in Asia, became the turning point for the adoption of automatic doors. Many foreign guests, athletes, and officials came to Japan, and large taxi companies saw it as an opportunity to showcase Japan's unique hospitality culture, "Omotenashi." They began introducing automatic doors one after another. This sparked competition in service within the industry, and the adoption spread nationwide rapidly. It was a change brought about by the Olympics.

Because of this, it is best to wait for the door to open when taking a taxi in Japan, as forcibly opening or closing the door can cause damage. You should also not close the door carelessly when getting off. Although the effort of opening and closing the door has been reduced, services such as the driver holding an umbrella for you when it rains or loading your luggage into the trunk still continue.

Do Japanese Taxis Have Seasonal Fares?

As the service is good, the price tends to be high. You may have heard the saying, "Japanese taxis are expensive, so you shouldn't take them casually."

Unlike in Korea, where people say, "If I miss the last train, I'll take a taxi home," when dining out with Japanese people locally, you can see them parting ways perfectly on time, saying, "It's about the last train time." Some even say that if you miss the last train, it's cheaper to keep drinking at the bar until the first train.

In fact, although taxi base fares in Korea have increased recently due to fuel and labor costs, they are still not comparable to Japan. For example, in Tokyo's 23 wards, the base fare is 500 yen (about 4,600 won) for up to 1.096 km. Then, an additional 100 yen (about 911 won) is charged for every 255 meters traveled. Also, a time-distance fare system applies, where an additional fee is charged every 1 minute and 35 seconds when the taxi is traveling at 10 km/h or less. This includes stopping and waiting time, with an extra 100 yen added every 1 minute and 35 seconds.

A driver loading luggage into the trunk. (Photo by Japan Transportation Group)

Let's compare fares for about 4.5 km. Taking a taxi from Yeomchang Station to Dangsan Station on Line 9 is 4.6 km and takes 12 minutes, costing about 7,200 won. Suppose you travel to Tokyo, take the Narita Express, get off at Tokyo Station, and then go drinking with friends in Ueno. According to calculations on a Japanese taxi company website, a 4.5 km, 10-minute ride from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station costs 2,000 yen (about 18,200 won). With a late-night surcharge, it goes up to 2,400 yen (about 21,887 won).

Interestingly, some regions have seasonal surcharges. In snowy areas like Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, depending on the area, a "winter surcharge" fare system applies from late November to the end of March. This surcharge is often applied regardless of the time of day and usually adds about 20% to the regular fare.

However, thinking "I should never take a taxi" would be a mistake. Japan does not have a well-established public transportation transfer system like Korea. Even for the subway, if different companies operate the lines, you often have to pay extra. Therefore, for family trips or group travel, taxis can sometimes be more economical.