Waymo Explores International Expansion with Tokyo Test Project

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Self-driving car startup Waymo is embarking on its first international exploration, sending 25 Jaguar I-PACE SUVs to Tokyo, Japan, in early 2025. The initiative aims to gather insights into how autonomous vehicles could operate outside the United States. This marks a significant step for Waymo as it evaluates the feasibility of expanding its services internationally.

Mapping Tokyo’s Unique Urban Landscape

As part of this project, Waymo’s self-driving cars will focus on mapping key areas of Tokyo, including bustling commercial and business districts such as Shibuya and Minato. The vehicles will gather data on the city’s unique traffic patterns, including left-hand driving and navigating densely populated streets. Drivers for these cars will come from Nihon Kotsu, a prominent Japanese taxi company and Waymo’s local partner.

The primary goal of these “road trips” is to better understand Tokyo’s transportation ecosystem and the challenges it presents for autonomous vehicle technology. While the mapping and data-gathering efforts are substantial, Waymo has clarified that it currently has no plans to offer self-driving taxi services to riders in Tokyo.

Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasised the company’s broader commitment to improving transportation safety worldwide. She stated that working with local partners like Nihon Kotsu would help Waymo understand and address Tokyo’s distinct transportation needs, contributing to the foundation for future advancements in mobility within the city.

Japan’s Push for Autonomous Transportation

Waymo’s initiative comes as Japan intensifies its efforts to adopt autonomous vehicles. Other companies, including Nissan, are also advancing self-driving technologies. Nissan has announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services by 2027, while deep tech startup TIER IV is developing self-driving taxis large enough for family travel.

In alignment with these developments, the Japanese government is preparing to allow self-driving vehicles on at least 25 public roads by March 2025, with aspirations to expand robotaxi services to 100 routes in the future. Waymo’s Tokyo project signals growing momentum for autonomous transportation globally, with Japan emerging as a key player in shaping the future of self-driving technologies.