Charichari Expands Bike Sharing Service to Nishikuma and Hasamisen Areas in Kumamoto

Charichari Expands to Nishikuma and Hasaminen Areas

Charichari, operated by Charichari Co., Ltd., has announced the expansion of its bike-sharing service to the Nishikuma and Hasamisen areas in Kumamoto starting from May 1, 2025. Established as a public transportation option, Charichari began operations in Fukuoka in February 2018 and has since developed into a service utilized by millions across nine cities, with around 7,900 bicycles and over 1,800 parking ports.

As of now, Charichari has recorded more than 33 million rides nationwide, showcasing its significant growth and popularity. In Kumamoto City alone, since the service launched in April 2022, users have taken over 2.2 million rides, accumulating a total distance of more than 4.3 million kilometers, demonstrating the community's enthusiasm for this mobility solution.

Expansion Details

The latest expansion into Nishikuma and Hasamisen aligns with Charichari's three-year growth plan, now entering its second phase. This expansion aims to meet the high demand expressed by locals, particularly covering key locations such as “Yume Town Hasamisen,” “Aqua Dome Kumamoto,” and various health institutions, including “Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital” and “Kumamoto Central Hospital.” Consequently, the service area will increase from approximately 45 square kilometers to about 58 square kilometers.

In addition, the expansion will see the introduction of 23 new bike-sharing ports, established in coordination with local public facilities, businesses, and medical institutions. These ports are fundamental in improving access for the community, thereby facilitating more convenient commutes and shopping trips.

As a result of this expansion, Charichari anticipates a smoother transition for residents preferring bicycles over personal vehicles, thereby contributing to the alleviation of traffic congestion in the Nishikuma and surrounding districts.

Future Expansion Plans

Charichari’s continued growth is underpinned by an annual expansion plan, with expectations to broaden their coverage in Kumamoto City. This upcoming year will see further developments, with plans set for 2026 to include new areas around Kumamoto Prefectural Comprehensive Sports Park, extending to the southern side of JR Hikari no Mori Station. Additionally, the service is set to launch in Kikyū Town by October 2024, effectively operating as an independent area while discussions are ongoing to connect it with Kumamoto City for seamless travel options.

The early implementation of these expansions reflects Charichari's commitment to responding to community needs. Particularly, the integration of the Kumamoto City and Kikyū Town service areas will provide a more extensive, cohesive transportation network for users, addressing regional transportation challenges along the way.

About Charichari

Charichari, known for its user-friendly smartphone app, allows convenience through quick access to specially designed red bicycles. Charges start at 7 yen per minute for standard bikes and 17 yen for electric assist bikes. Operating continuously since its inception, Charichari has provided over 33 million rides spanning regions including Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Kumamoto, making short-distance commuting accessible and enjoyable.

For further details and updates, users can visit the official Charichari website and social media platforms. Charichari is also calling for potential port owners looking to transform unused spaces into bike-sharing ports, fostering community involvement.