Waymo, taxi app GO and operator Nihon Kotsu say they aim to launch Japan’s first fully autonomous commercial taxi service in Tokyo in 2027.
Reuters and partner statements say trials with Nihon Kotsu crew aboard have run in seven Tokyo wards since 2025. The plan starts small then scales toward about 100 vehicles, subject to national and local approvals and ongoing safety validation. Waymo supplies autonomy and vehicles/platform; Nihon Kotsu handles depot ops and licensed carriage; GO provides dispatch and industry links. Bookings would come via GO and Waymo apps. Treat 2027 as a target, not a locked launch date.