We Chat With a Veteran Shafu About the Best, Worst – and Weirdest – Parts of the Job
The rickshaw driver: a common sight around Asakusa and yet what do we know about them, other than they seem really fit? To learn more, we spent a morning with Reiji Kimura, who’s a veteran shafu (rickshaw driver) by day, and a metal band drummer by night.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
It depends on the company you work for, but I can set my own schedule. I try to start as early as I can, especially on weekends and holidays as it increases the chance of getting more customers. If I go out drinking the night before I may start later the following day. [Laughs] Basically, if I’ve earned enough to reach my goal for the day, I head home. Sometimes it only takes two hours of work in the morning and I’m done! On an average day, though, I’d say I take up to three to four rides, with the most in one day being 10. On bad days, though, I’ll only get one ride the whole day. The worst-case scenario – which has happened once – I’ve gone home with no rides and nothing to show for it. That was the worst.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS JOB?
This story is from the August 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
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This story is from the August 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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