Waymo Targets 2027 Launch for Commercial Robotaxi Service in Tokyo

Alphabet's Waymo has announced plans to commercially launch its Robotaxi autonomous ride-hailing service in Tokyo by 2027, subject to regulatory approvals from Japanese authorities. The deployment will begin with a small fleet and gradually expand to around 100 vehicles across key districts in Tokyo. This initiative represents a significant international expansion for Waymo outside the United States, showcasing the global readiness of autonomous vehicle technology. Additionally, it aims to help Japan alleviate severe transportation labor shortages driven by an aging population. Waymo originally laid the groundwork for its Japan entry in late 2024 and initiated supervised testing in 2025 alongside taxi operator Nihon Kotsu and mobility app GO. The official rollout date in 2027 will depend on obtaining full regulatory permits from local and national government agencies.