Google Waymo Robotaxi Enters Japan... "Great Help for Super-Aged Society"

First Overseas Expansion Case

Waymo, Google's autonomous driving subsidiary, will begin testing robo (driverless) taxis in Tokyo, Japan, early next year.

Reuters Yonhap News

On the 16th (local time), according to the U.S. economic media CNBC, Waymo recently formed a partnership for robo taxi test drives with Nihon Kotsu, Japan's largest taxi operator in Tokyo, and the taxi-hailing app GO. Early next year, Waymo plans to conduct robo taxi tests in Tokyo using Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. This marks Waymo's first overseas trial drive.

Initially, drivers from Nihon Kotsu will ride in the vehicles and manually drive through major Tokyo areas such as Minato and Shinjuku to acquire basic information necessary for autonomous driving. The data obtained from this test will be used to train Waymo's AI system. Additionally, Waymo plans to test robo taxis on a U.S.-based course that simulates Japan's left-hand traffic conditions. Waymo stated that this Tokyo trial is an early stage of cooperation and that extensive testing will continue for a considerable period.

The Japanese side sees autonomous vehicle technology as potentially very helpful in their super-aged society and is actively working toward its adoption. In a statement, Waymo said, "The autonomous driving tests in Tokyo will be an opportunity to understand the new environment by collaborating with local partners, government officials, and community groups," adding, "We will learn how Waymo can serve Tokyo residents and become a beneficial part of Tokyo's transportation ecosystem."

Meanwhile, Waymo is currently operating in San Francisco and Los Angeles (LA) in California, as well as Phoenix, Arizona. From 2026, it plans to offer services in Miami as well.