NEC, Kanematsu, and A2Z Join Forces to Pioneer Autonomous Buses and Taxis in Japan
On March 1, 2023, NEC Corporation, Kanematsu Corporation, and South Korea's Autonomous A2Z Co., Ltd finalized a basic agreement aimed at bringing autonomous buses and taxis to practical use in Japan. The collaboration seeks to tackle the pressing issue of insufficient transportation options in local areas by ensuring safe and reliable autonomous mobility solutions through pilot operations.
Japan's public transportation sector faces significant challenges due to a declining population, which, in turn, has led to a decrease in ridership. Furthermore, the shortage of drivers is exacerbating the situation nationwide. In light of these issues, the exploration of mobility solutions utilizing autonomous driving technology is being prioritized in various regions of the country.
As a groundbreaking initiative, the three companies are adopting the advanced autonomous driving system developed by A2Z, which has earned recognition from the U.S. consulting group Guidehouse as the seventh best globally for autonomous technology in 2025. Starting February 6, 2026, they will initiate pilot operations for autonomous taxis in the Narutocity area of Tokushima Prefecture, marking a significant achievement in Japan's public transport domain.
Kanematsu and A2Z will work together to adapt A2Z's autonomous driving system to meet Japanese road conditions and regulatory frameworks. This process will include vehicle modifications, system adjustments, tuning, and technology validation. Moreover, Kanematsu has already signed a memorandum of understanding with A2Z for collaborative expansion into Japanese and global markets, further facilitating their joint efforts in this initiative.
NEC brings its robust autonomous vehicle operating platform, designed for the safe and efficient management of autonomous vehicles within Japan's transport and mobility services. This platform will integrate with the dispatch systems and services already employed by transportation providers, allowing for effective control of autonomous vehicle operations and remote monitoring of vehicle conditions. Through this pilot, NEC aims to validate the utility of autonomous technology within current transportation operations, paving the way for an environment conducive to its broader implementation.
Building on insights gained from the pilot project, NEC, Kanematsu, and A2Z have set their sights on expanding these autonomous transportation services within the Japanese market. Though the initial pilot will operate at Level 2 autonomy, there are plans to gradually enhance this to Level 4 autonomy, thus advancing towards full societal integration. The collaboration also aims to explore practical cost structures and operational burdens suitable for local transportation providers, contributing to the establishment of sustainable business models. Furthermore, the goal is to position autonomous technology as a vital part of regional transportation infrastructure, thereby addressing pressing societal issues such as driver shortages and the aging population in localized areas.
This partnership symbolically illustrates how technology can innovate and improve mobility, ultimately leading to the resolution of critical transportation challenges faced by communities throughout Japan. Stay tuned for updates on the implementation and advancements of this groundbreaking initiative.
For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to the following contacts:
Background
Japan's public transportation sector faces significant challenges due to a declining population, which, in turn, has led to a decrease in ridership. Furthermore, the shortage of drivers is exacerbating the situation nationwide. In light of these issues, the exploration of mobility solutions utilizing autonomous driving technology is being prioritized in various regions of the country.
As a groundbreaking initiative, the three companies are adopting the advanced autonomous driving system developed by A2Z, which has earned recognition from the U.S. consulting group Guidehouse as the seventh best globally for autonomous technology in 2025. Starting February 6, 2026, they will initiate pilot operations for autonomous taxis in the Narutocity area of Tokushima Prefecture, marking a significant achievement in Japan's public transport domain.
Roles of Each Company in the Collaboration
Kanematsu and A2Z will work together to adapt A2Z's autonomous driving system to meet Japanese road conditions and regulatory frameworks. This process will include vehicle modifications, system adjustments, tuning, and technology validation. Moreover, Kanematsu has already signed a memorandum of understanding with A2Z for collaborative expansion into Japanese and global markets, further facilitating their joint efforts in this initiative.
NEC brings its robust autonomous vehicle operating platform, designed for the safe and efficient management of autonomous vehicles within Japan's transport and mobility services. This platform will integrate with the dispatch systems and services already employed by transportation providers, allowing for effective control of autonomous vehicle operations and remote monitoring of vehicle conditions. Through this pilot, NEC aims to validate the utility of autonomous technology within current transportation operations, paving the way for an environment conducive to its broader implementation.
Future Developments
Building on insights gained from the pilot project, NEC, Kanematsu, and A2Z have set their sights on expanding these autonomous transportation services within the Japanese market. Though the initial pilot will operate at Level 2 autonomy, there are plans to gradually enhance this to Level 4 autonomy, thus advancing towards full societal integration. The collaboration also aims to explore practical cost structures and operational burdens suitable for local transportation providers, contributing to the establishment of sustainable business models. Furthermore, the goal is to position autonomous technology as a vital part of regional transportation infrastructure, thereby addressing pressing societal issues such as driver shortages and the aging population in localized areas.
This partnership symbolically illustrates how technology can innovate and improve mobility, ultimately leading to the resolution of critical transportation challenges faced by communities throughout Japan. Stay tuned for updates on the implementation and advancements of this groundbreaking initiative.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to the following contacts:
- - NEC Mobility Solution Division, SDV Services Group
- - Kanematsu Vehicle and In-Vehicle Components Division
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