First Foreign Specified Skilled Worker Starts Solo Driving Operations at Kono Co., Ltd.

Kono Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hiroshima City, President: Motoaki Kono) announced that Ren Shuai (27), a Chinese national holding the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status at the Amagasaki branch, has met internal safety standards and started solo driving operations. Amidst the aging driver population and the '2024 problem' involving overtime regulations, the company is focusing on developing diverse human resources regardless of nationality. Following intensive training, Ren passed a promotion interview on April 10, 2026. On his first day, management followed in a support vehicle to ensure safety. The company plans to interview a second foreign candidate in China in late April 2026.