Under the scorching sun of the streets of Tokyo (Japan), Yuka Akimoto (21 years old) panted as she pulled a black two-wheeled carriage speeding away, on top of the car were two French guests.
The 45-minute tour ended, the girl with a small body bowed deeply to greet the guests. She raised her blistered hands covered with a clean cloth to help the passenger get out of the car, sweat dripping down her red face from the hot summer sun.
Yuka is one of the few women who chose to work as a truck driver in Tokyo, a profession that has long been assumed to be reserved for men.
The development of social networks has made public opinion more interested in women who work as drivers like Yuka. Many people expressed their admiration and admiration for them.
In addition to good physical strength, the rickshaw puller must also have extensive knowledge of the streets and culture, tourist attractions in Tokyo and know how to attract tourists. Pullers walk or run an average of 20km a day. Drivers who work hard and regularly can earn more than 1 million yen (162 million VND) per month.
The Guardian newspaper recently had a set of photos that provide a close-up perspective on the lives of girls who are small but have extraordinary strength…
Trainee Yumeka Sakurai, 20, was taught how to drive a rickshaw by her colleagues.
Sakurai joined the Tokyo Rickshaw team after seeing the drivers actively introducing themselves and their profession on social networks. After 4 months of training, she is now proud to be able to carry passengers around the streets on her rickshaw.
“I watched many videos of women training hard and becoming carriage drivers. They gave me confidence that I could also do it if I tried my best,” Sakurai confided.
Yuka Akimoto (21 years old) shows off her driver’s license. She said about work: “I don’t deny that at first the work was extremely difficult. I’m not an athlete and the trailer seems heavy.”
Driver Shiori Yoshida (28 years old) helps new colleague Riho Arai (19 years old), prepare to go to work at their office in Asakusa district.
Akina Suzuki (19 years old) drove on a guided tour for a family from Taiwan (China) around Asakusa district. A rickshaw can weigh up to 250kg.
Akina Suzuki and Misato Otoshi (30 years old) streamed live on social networks to promote their work.
Shiori Yoshida tries to attract visitors’ attention for a guided tour.
Aika Terayama (20 years old) drives a rickshaw around Asakusa district.
Yumeka Sakurai during driving lessons and tour guide.
Sakurai (left), receives feedback after the lesson from colleague Mii Suzuki (24 years old) who is taking on the role of trainer at the company.
Yuka Akimoto prepares the trailer in the garage.
Misato Otoshi drives a rickshaw around Asakusa district.
Akina Suzuki drives around Asakusa district.