Waymo is set to launch fully electric autonomous vehicles in Tokyo, Japan, in early 2025, partnering with local taxi service Nihon Kotsu and taxi app Go.

The initial phase of testing will involve Nihon Kotsu drivers manually operating the vehicles to map key areas of Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

Waymo is recognized as a leading player in the autonomous vehicle sector, having successfully expanded its services and charging for fully autonomous rides in multiple U.S. cities.

However, Waymo has faced challenges, including a recent incident involving a robotaxi hitting a cyclist, though the injuries were minor.

Paid robotaxi rides in Tokyo are expected to follow the pilot program, although no specific launch date has been announced yet.

This initiative is part of Waymo's 'road trips' program, aimed at adapting its technology to unique driving conditions, such as Japan's left-hand traffic and dense urban environments.

Despite the test launch, Waymo currently has no plans to offer ride services in Tokyo, focusing instead on understanding the local transportation landscape.

Waymo's expansion aligns with Japan's vision for advanced transportation solutions, supported by proactive efforts from the Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments.

Japan has recently amended its laws to permit level 4 autonomous driving, which could enhance mobility for its aging population.

Waymo's advancements come amid competition from Tesla, which is pursuing its own robotaxi technology but currently lacks a fully autonomous solution.

In November 2024, Waymo raised $5.6 billion to support its expansion plans, which include deploying Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Miami for public rides in 2026.

Data collected from the manual test drives in key Tokyo areas will be used to train Waymo's AI systems for better performance in the city's unique driving conditions.