Toyota hybrids are the most common taxis in urban areas of the UK, they absolutely eat up miles with no issues. If “every hybrid has super pricey transmission/clutch issues” then cab companies with razor thin margins wouldn’t be using them, pretty simple logic
Overall it isn’t a bad thing, but on a societal level it makes life harder for the working population supporting the elderly. From what I’ve read on working culture in Japan it’s hard enough to begin with.