Waymo has partnered with Nihon Kotsu and GO to bring its autonomous vehicles to Tokyo, Japan, for an “international road trip” in which the autonomous vehicles will learn and adapt to left-hand traffic and the driving nuances of the world’s most densely populated urban settings.
Waymo’s Tokyo debut gives the company an opportunity to work alongside local partners, government officials and community groups to understand the new landscape. Through this, Waymo aspires to learn how its driverless cars can serve Tokyo’s residents and become a beneficial part of the city’s transportation ecosystem.
This expansion into Japan aligns with the country’s vision for the future of transportation. The Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments have been working to address the evolving transportation needs of society and foster technologies that enhance safe mobility. Waymo says it is engaging with Japanese policymakers, regulators and local safety officials to ensure a responsible and seamless implementation of its technology to Tokyo’s roads.
The first Waymo all-electric Jaguar I-Pace models will arrive in Tokyo in early 2025. Waymo’s partner Nihon Kotsu is Tokyo’s largest taxi company. It will oversee the management and servicing of the Waymo vehicles. Initially, Nihon Kotsu drivers will drive the vehicles manually to map key areas of the Japanese capital, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa and Kōtō.
Through this initial testing phase, the company aims to gain experience that will accelerate the development of the Waymo Driver, enabling it to evaluate how the AI-powered driver adapts to new environments.