In recent years, as the number of travelers to Japan has increased, the use of **illegal pick-up and drop-off services, so-called "Shirotaku'"**, with the slogan "inexpensive and convenient," has skyrocketed.
However, there are immeasurable dangers lurking behind the scenes.
The tragic accident reported in 2025 highlighted once again the seriousness of this "'Shirotaku'" problem.In Wakayama Prefecture, a serious accident involving a large wagon (a disguised jumbo cab) unfortunately resulted in a fatality.
Illegal pick-ups and drop-offs using **large vehicles (white license plate wagons)**, especially those aimed at transporting large numbers of people, can easily cause extensive damage in the event of an accident,Not covered by regular insuranceThis is a fatal risk.
This article will thoroughly discuss the following important points based on specific "'Shirotaku'" accidents that occurred in 2025.
- general travelerHow to recognize illegal **"fake jumbo cabs "** and how to prevent yourself from being involved in an accident.
- Inbound Companies: 'Shirotaku'.Unknowingly mediated or referredbe questioned in the case ofSerious Legal Liabilityand risk of loss of credibility
Please read this information to the end to ensure your travel safety and compliance with all laws and regulations.
Cases of serious accidents related to "'Shirotaku'" reported in 2025 and their characteristics
In 2025, "'Shirotaku'" activities will be exposed, especially in tourist areas and local airports**.and byThere have been a number of reports of serious accidents**. These cases show that "'Shirotaku'" are not only illegal, but also pose a danger to human life.
Caution] "Fake Jumbo Taxis" using large vehicles
The "jumbo cabs" provided by legitimate cab companies are licensed services using minivans or wagons. However, there are also illegal "'Shirotaku'" companies,Targeting groups of foreign visitors to Japanto the same kind ofLarge wagonsThere have been a number of cases in which the company has been operating as a **"disguised jumbo cab "**, providing transportation services by using a
'Shirotaku' incident at Central Japan Airport; man of Vietnamese nationality arrested
Aichi Prefectural Police arrested and sent a man and woman of Vietnamese nationality on suspicion of violating the Road Transport Law for **"'Shirotaku' "** in which they used their own cars to transport customers for a fee.
According to the investigation, the suspects went from Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) to several destinations, including Nagoya City,Unauthorized paid transportation was being provided.It is believed that All of them have admitted to the charges.
This series of incidents has alreadySeven Vietnamese nationals, men and women, arrested.The police are beingRepeatedly operated 'Shirotaku' services at low fares, mainly for Vietnamese residents in Japan.The investigation is continuing.
Fatal wagon accident in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
A collision with a large truck on a national highway in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, during a holiday weekend in 2025, with eight tourists and other passengers on board.station wagonwas involved. The accident tragically resulted in the death of one of the passengers. The subsequent investigation revealed that the driver of the van, a Chinese national, was suspected of "'Shirotaku'" (transporting tourists for a fee**).The defendant was arrested in This case is,It clearly demonstrates the danger** of loss of life by "'Shirotaku'."
'Shirotaku' Acts Caught in Niigata Prefecture
In addition, in October 2025, Niigata Prefecture will also be carrying tourists in private vehicles.The "'Shirotaku'" actA Chinese national was caught red-handed on suspicion of These cases show that white-collar taxiing is rampant in tourist areas across the country, and that police and related agencies are becoming increasingly vigilant.
Danger of companies and businesses getting caught in the middle! Legal Risks of Using and Mediating "Shirotaku" Taxicabs
Inbound-related companies (travel agencies, lodging facilities, local organizations, etc.) by introducing and using "'Shirotaku'" as a means of customer service,Unintentional complicity in crimeThe Company may be exposed to significant risks.
Legal Liability for Travel Agents and Accommodation Facilities to Know
As a transportation service to customers, knowing or under circumstances where they should have known that it was an illegal "'Shirotaku'" activity.Mediation and referralIn the event that the company doesAiding and abetting violations of the Road Transport LawThe company may be asked to
[Attention. If an accident occurs, the company, as the referral source, is charged with violating its duty to ensure the safety of its clients,loss of confidenceof course,damage claimThere is a risk of being subject to the
Checklist for spotting fake transportation services
To ensure safety and compliance as a company, it is essential to ensure that
- License plate colorAlwaysgreenlicense plate (commercial vehicle)?
*There have been some recent cases of license plate lending, even in green. - Operation Management System: Are the driver's work records, vehicle inspection records, etc., being properly maintained?
*Isn't the operation management sloppy? - fee structure: Is the fee based on a clear quote, rather than an ambiguous transaction between individuals?
*Basically, city car hire has a fixed rate, beware of cheap companies.
The cost of loss of credibility is high.
If a company's customers are involved in a case such as the "White Cab Accident 2025" and word of it spreads, the company'sbrand imageandcreditis irreparably damaged. It is especially difficult to regain the trust of inbound customers.
Why are "'Shirotaku'" (disguised jumbo cabs) particularly dangerous?
Behind the "cheapness" and "convenience" lies a structural danger that cannot be found in professional operations.
Risk 1: Extremely inadequate "compensation" in the event of an accident
This is the greatest danger. Voluntary insurance for private vehicles (white license plate) is,We do not anticipate "transportation for a fee."
In the unlikely event that a 'Shirotaku' causes an accident that results in injury or death of a passenger, it is extremely likely that the insurance company will refuse to pay for the insurance because it falls under the category of "paid transportation. In particularbogus jumbo cabwith a large number of passengers, as in the case ofHuge amount of damagesbut are not compensated at all.
Risk 2: Lack of vehicle safety and operational control
- Over capacity or overloadingThe company is also trying to force group passengers on board, and tends to operate without regard to safety standards.
- Driver QualityThe company does not provide the education on safe driving required for professional drivers, or the physical condition and rest management necessary for long-distance driving. There is always a risk of serious accidents due to overworked drivers.
How to distinguish between legitimate "jumbo cabs" and illegal "'Shirotaku'" and what to do about them
The most important action travelers and businesses can take to protect themselves is to choose a vehicle with "green plates.
*Be aware that "green license plates" are also rented and borrowed these days!
Measure 1: Thoroughly check the color of the vehicle's license plate number.
| Service | License plate color | operating permission | Safety and Compensation |
| regular cab (including jumbo) | green | ant | Fully equipped insurance and operation management system under the guidance of the Transportation Bureau |
| Illegal 'Shirotaku' (including fake jumbos) | white | None | No insurance coverage, no safety management system |
Measure 2: Deal only with legitimate businesses
When requesting transportation, companies should always confirm that the company is an authorized cab company with a **"General Passenger Vehicle Transportation Business "** license, or a licensed hire-bus company, and keep a record of the transaction. It is important to eliminate easy referrals by intermediaries or individuals.
Measure 3: Ensure that employees and customers are aware of the measures.
- To Employees: The transportation of clients by private vehicles (especially when receiving fees) isIllegal white-collar activitiesThe company will ensure that all employees are instructed not to do so.
- For Clients: regular **"green number"Aggressively encourage customers to use cabs and approved taxi dispatch apps to avoid dangerousEncourage them to refuse pick-up and drop-off services with white license plates**.
Summary: Safety and legal compliance are corporate responsibilities
Reports of "'Shirotaku' accidents" in 2025 indicate that the risk posed by illegal transportation services is at a level that can no longer be ignored.
The use of "'Shirotaku'," especially the use of **"fake jumbo cabs" to transport large numbers of people, not only endangers the lives of travelers, but also poses a serious business risk to companies in the form of **** legal violations and loss of credibility**.
In order to ensure a safe and comfortable stay and travel in Japan, it is important that each of us choose and use an authorized service with a **"green number "**.
