#Japan #Toyota Woven City #Mobility Testing #Shizuoka Prefecture #Susono City

Introduction to Toyota Woven City

At the recent CES 2025 conference, Toyota Motor Corporation made a significant announcement regarding the completion of Phase 1 of the Toyota Woven City, a dedicated test course for mobility solutions. This innovative project, located in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture, signifies another step in Toyota's evolution from a traditional automotive manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility provider. Official activities are set to begin in fall 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Toyota's vision for the future of urban living and transportation.

Background of Woven City

The concept of Woven City was first introduced at CES 2020, with Toyota affirming its commitment to shaping the future of mobility. Built on the site of the former Higashi-Fuji Plant, Woven City has been designed to test new mobility technologies while prioritizing sustainability and improving the quality of life for its residents. With the completion of the first phase of construction in October 2024, preparations are now underway for the official launch.

Features and Design of Woven City

Woven City is notable not just for its ambitious mobility initiatives but also for its sustainable design. It has received the prestigious LEED for Communities Platinum certification, recognizing its commitment to environmentally conscious construction practices. The city emphasizes human-centric design, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life through innovative living spaces and community interactions.

Collaborative Ecosystem

A unique aspect of Woven City is its collaborative nature. It will bring together 'Inventors' from Toyota and a variety of external partners, including startups, research institutions, and more, all united by a common goal: to innovate for the common good. These partners will work on various projects, from creating 'pollen-free spaces' to new educational methodologies facilitated by data analytics. This multidisciplinary collaboration is expected to inspire novel solutions and drive progress in mobility-related technology.

Among the confirmed partners are notable names like Daikin, NISSIN, and UCC, each bringing specific expertise to tackle societal challenges in health, food culture, and educational methods. These collaborations will not only test new technologies but also refine them based on direct feedback from visitors and residents.

The Role of 'Weavers'

Woven City is also set to engage its community through 'Weavers'—individuals who share a passion for advancing mobility and societal development. Starting in fall 2025, about 100 initial residents will move in, primarily comprised of Toyota staff and their families. This resident base will gradually expand to accommodate around 360 people in Phase 1, with a long-term goal of housing approximately 2,000 residents across all phases of the city.

While early visitors will be limited to those closely involved in Woven City, plans are in place to expand access to the general public in 2026. This phased approach allows for a controlled environment where innovations can be tested effectively while gathering practical data for further development.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As Woven City approaches its official launch, it stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and community. By redefining mobility to encompass not just transportation but also the movement of goods, information, and energy, Toyota aims to create a living laboratory where cutting-edge ideas can flourish. With plans to extend mobility innovations into outer space through new partnerships like Interstellar Technologies, Woven City represents Toyota’s forward-thinking vision for comprehensive human mobility.

In conclusion, as we look towards the official launch in 2025 and beyond, Woven City is set to play a crucial role in shaping future urban environments while forging new pathways in the ever-evolving world of mobility.