Naha City Launches Mobility Service for Easy Transportation Without a License

New Mobility Service in Naha City

In an exciting development for both locals and tourists, Naha City has announced the launch of a new mobility service utilizing WHILL devices, which require neither a driver's license nor a helmet. Set to begin on August 27, 2025, this initiative is a collaboration between the Naha City Tourist Association, Okinawa Toyota, and WHILL Inc. The service aims to enhance accessibility within Naha's popular tourist area, particularly around the bustling Kokusai Street.

Naha City is keen on creating a comfortable and safe exploring environment for everyone, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy strolling through the city without concerns. This innovative mobility solution is designed to promote coexistence among pedestrians while elevating the overall experience and satisfaction of tourists, which, in turn, contributes to local economic stimulation.

Background on Tourism in Naha

Naha City is experiencing a rise in tourism, with visitor numbers projected to hit 8,542,120 in 2024, representing a 111.2% increase compared to the previous year. The rejuvenation in tourist interest comes post-COVID-19, although statistics indicate that while individuals aged 30 to 60 make up about 20% of visitors, those aged 70 and above constitute only 6.8%. Many older travelers express hesitation to embark on trips due to mobility concerns. Addressing these transportation challenges could vastly expand the market potential for tourist services, estimated to encompass around 42 million potential travelers across Japan, given the aging population.

WHILL Mobility Devices: Enhancing the Tourist Experience

The WHILL Model C2, chosen for this mobility service, showcases excellent maneuverability and comfort. Capable of traversing uneven surfaces, inclines, and obstacles up to 5 cm, this premium model allows travelers to navigate busy areas at a pace comparable to walking. Consequently, family members and friends can enjoy their explorations together, accessing regions that might have been challenging in the past. This innovation not only promotes satisfied visitors but also aims at extending their stay, positively impacting the local economy.

Moreover, the rental process is streamlined through a dedicated app, allowing users to rent WHILL devices effortlessly. With increasing tourist numbers anticipated, the app minimizes operational burdens on staff while facilitating a more efficient deployment of resources. Consistent with a growing emphasis on universal accessibility, Naha City is determined to foster inclusiveness for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Rental Service Overview

Service Start Date: August 27, 2025
Rental Model: WHILL Model C2 (three units available)
Pricing: 2,600 JPY for 4 hours, 4,000 JPY for a full day
Pickup Location: WHILL Station at the Naha City Tourist Information Center
Rental Method: Available through the WHILL Rental app, where users can register and return devices conveniently.
Operational Range: Centered around Kokusai Street, extending to nearby points like Yachimun Street and Heiwa Street (approximately a 2-3 km radius).

Conclusion

As the demand for such services continues to increase, the collaboration among Naha City Tourist Association, Okinawa Toyota, and WHILL Inc. seeks to enhance the travel experience for all. By fostering accessible mobility services, Naha City is paving the way for a tourist-friendly environment where everyone can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of Okinawa without reservations.

For more information, visit the Naha City Tourist Association, Okinawa Toyota, and WHILL Inc..