GO Inc., Waymo, and Nihon Kotsu have entered a strategic partnership to commercialize autonomous taxis in Tokyo, targeting Japan’s first fully driverless Level 4 taxi service by 2027. The initiative follows public road testing that began in 2025 across seven Tokyo wards, adapting Waymo’s technology with Nihon Kotsu drivers on board. Customers will eventually be able to book rides through both the GO taxi app and the Waymo app, creating a new mobility option for the city.
From Testing to Commercial Deployment
The partners have been conducting supervised autonomous driving tests on public roads since 2025. These trials have allowed Waymo's system to learn Tokyo's road environment while Nihon Kotsu personnel monitor operations from the driver's seat. Based on this progress, the companies will now shift to a new phase focused on providing driverless rides to the general public.
The initial target is to operate a fleet of around 100 vehicles in stages by 2027. The service will be offered through the GO app, Japan's leading taxi application, and the Waymo app, which has pioneered autonomous ride-hailing internationally. Each partner will contribute specific strengths to support safe and efficient operation while integrating autonomous technology into the existing taxi industry.
Partner Roles and Responsibilities
GO Inc. will serve as the central coordinator with local taxi operators and will design the overall integration of Waymo's technology into Japan's taxi industry. Waymo will supply its autonomous driving system, operational infrastructure, vehicle management tools, and technical expertise to help its partners scale safely. Nihon Kotsu will manage on-the-ground operations, including depot management and customer service, drawing on nearly a century of taxi experience in Tokyo.
Safety, Regulation and Social Impact
Safety remains the top priority, and the exact start of commercial operations will be determined only after required safety standards are met and necessary permits are obtained under Japan's road and transport laws. The companies will coordinate closely with national ministries and local authorities throughout the approval process. They also believe the new mobility infrastructure can help address structural challenges such as population decline and labor shortages.
Addressing Structural Social Challenges
The partners say the initiative is about more than introducing a new ride option. They believe autonomous taxis can help mitigate long-term pressures on Japan's transport workforce, including an aging population and a declining number of drivers. The project is intended to complement existing human-driven taxi services rather than replace them, preserving access to quality mobility.
Executive Perspectives
GO President Hiroshi Nakajima said users will be able to access both conventional taxis and Waymo vehicles through the GO app. Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana highlighted the company's safety record and called the Tokyo expansion a new chapter combining proven technology with Japanese service standards. Nihon Kotsu President Yasuharu Wakabayashi stressed that trained drivers have supported the adaptation of Waymo Driver and that the initiative will complement human-driven taxis.
The partnership represents a major step toward introducing fully autonomous taxi services in one of the world's largest and most complex urban markets. By combining Waymo's technology with GO's digital platform and Nihon Kotsu's operational expertise, the three companies hope to create a reliable and safe new transport option. If successful, the 2027 launch could serve as a model for autonomous mobility across Japan and beyond.