Waymo, the Alphabet-owned self-driving company, and Japanese partners say they are targeting the launch of a fully autonomous taxi service in Tokyo in 2027. The planned service is intended to operate without a human driver, using autonomous driving technology to provide rides within the city.
The companies frame the effort as a response to Japan’s demographic and labour challenges. They say the service could help address a driver shortage in the transport sector, while also supporting mobility needs amid Japan’s population decline. Outlets differ mainly in emphasis: one highlights the timeline and Tokyo focus, while another focuses more directly on the expected social and workforce benefits the companies cite for the project.
