Ending the 'No Work While Traveling' Rule: Kotohira Bus Launches Bus Service Allowing Calls and Web Meetings Starting June 1st!

Kotohira Bus Co., Ltd. (commonly known as Kotobus, headquartered in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Taijiro Kusunoki) will introduce a new service, 'KOTOLINK biz,' on its direct bus route from Kansai to Kotohira starting June 1, 2026. Challenging the implicit rule of 'staying quiet while traveling' in public transport, the bus will operate as a 'mobile office' where phone calls, web meetings, and PC work are officially permitted during the approximately 4-hour journey between Osaka and Kotohira. *This bus service will resume on June 1 after a suspension from March to May 2026. For a long time, it has been common sense in Japanese public transport to 'refrain from making calls on board.' However, with the rise of remote work and digital nomads, the inability to work while traveling has become a major stressor for modern workers. There are many overseas travelers and remote workers staying in the Kansai region, including Osaka, for tourism and business. On the other hand, travel to rural areas has been accepted as 'time when work cannot be done.' 'KOTOLINK biz' changes this common sense. Phone calls and web meetings are officially allowed, with the recommendation to use earphones and microphones. By providing in-bus Wi-Fi, lap tables, and mobile batteries for PCs, the approximately 4-hour journey from Osaka to Kotohira is transformed into 'usable time.' Of course, consideration for those who want to enjoy their trip slowly without work is not forgotten. Earplugs and eye masks are distributed on board (for those who wish). Operational rules are set based on consideration for others, such as recommending the use of earphones and microphones for calls and web meetings. The goal is to create an in-bus environment where both business people and travelers can move at their own pace. After arriving in Kotohira, you can continue working at the company-operated 'Kotori Coworking & Hostel.' Users of this bus can use the coworking space for free for one hour. Kotori is a regional hub where digital nomads, multi-base workers, local businesses, and travelers intersect. Once work is done, it is possible to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine, take shuttle buses to Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge, or the sunset shuttle bus to Chichibugahama Beach to explore various parts of Shikoku. Kotohira proposes a stay style where 'working' and 'traveling' are naturally connected.