Members from a feminine idol group in central Japan have taken to driving taxis on the aspect in a bid to widen their fan base by offering an interactive expertise with “chauffeurs who can sing and dance.”
Model Tomoyo Kuno, 30, actress Marina Ichiki, 38, and Haruka Umeoka, 24, from the group Taxi’shez, all have permits for driving passengers, with their aspect work additionally offering a secure supply of earnings. Their pink taxis primarily function in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.
The mission was launched in February final 12 months as a joint mission by native taxi operator Fuji Taxi Group and expertise company Miraikuru. The ladies take turns driving a pink taxi in the course of the day between jobs within the leisure business and carry out songs as a unit on the weekends.
The aspect hustle additionally supplies some flexibility for the ladies, who usually obtain job presents in leisure at a second’s discover.
“It stabilizes our income, and we’re able to focus on our main occupation,” mentioned Kuno. “It’s rewarding to make new fans by driving a taxi.”
Customers are given a pink certificates formed like a enterprise card as souvenirs, which the group promotes as a present that can bestow the holder good luck with cash.
Working as a cab driver additionally offers the three ladies a chance to publicize their particular person actions to clients, though their present purpose is to carry a solo live performance as a unit.
“We want to make a name for ourselves enough to receive independent job offers,” Ichiki mentioned.
© KYODO