Waymo plans to launch a commercial driverless taxi service in Tokyo in 2027, building on testing that began in 2025. The company is partnering with Japanese mobility platform GO and transportation company Nihon Kotsu to offer a 24/7 on-demand service. Waymo has been operating vehicles under supervision by Nihon Kotsu crew members, navigating Tokyo’s streets since 2025 in preparation for the launch. The service aims to complement Tokyo’s existing transportation network and address Japan’s aging population and potential labor shortages. Waymo has already completed tens of millions of autonomous trips in 15 major US cities. The launch follows a period of preparation since late 2024, and the companies have been working to tailor the service to local expectations. While Japan lags behind the United States and China in self-driving vehicle technology due to the conservative nature of its legacy automakers, Waymo’s entry into the market is seen as a natural fit, given the country’s embrace of new technology.
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