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Luup and Kyoto Prefecture's Innovative Partnership for Mobility

On January 19, 2026, 株式会社Luup and Kyoto Prefecture officially entered into a collaboration agreement aimed at transforming administrative methods through shared mobility services. The agreement also coincides with the establishment of a new mobility port within the Kyoto Prefectural Office, allowing local government employees to use LUUP services for official duties.

Background of the Agreement

Luup, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo and led by CEO Daiki Okai, is committed to creating infrastructure that makes urban areas more accessible. Their service was launched in Kyoto City in November 2021 and has been gradually gaining acceptance as a daily transportation alternative. Meanwhile, Kyoto Prefecture has sought to incorporate modern administrative methods and improve operational efficiency, leading to this forward-thinking partnership.

This agreement signifies the first instance nationwide where local governments collaborate with mobility service providers like Luup to facilitate official travel through e-scooters and similar services. The core objective is to reduce transportation time and enhance operational efficiency amidst the evolving landscape of public service.

Key Elements of the Agreement

Under this partnership, Luup and Kyoto Prefecture will focus on several key initiatives:
1. Development and Maintenance of Mobility Port: Establishing and maintaining a shared mobility port within the Kyoto Prefectural Office premises.
2. Promotion of Shared Mobility Services: Encouraging the use of shared mobility services for official travel.
3. Awareness and Education: Promoting traffic rules and regulations to both users and the general public.
4. Evaluation and Improvement: Continuously assessing and refining the system for better efficiency.
5. Additional Objectives: Addressing any necessary actions to fulfill the agreement’s goals.

The new port, named Kyoto Prefectural Office (located at the old northeast corner of the main building), will accommodate up to 14 vehicles and opened its services at 2:00 PM on January 19.

Signing Ceremony and Test Ride

The signing of the agreement took place at the Kyoto Prefectural Office, followed by a test ride event. Takatoshi Nishiwaki, the Governor of Kyoto, along with Daiki Okai, participated in trying out the LUUP vehicles, symbolizing their commitment to embracing this new mobility option.

Statements from Leaders

Governor Nishiwaki expressed immense satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting this partnership as a significant step toward achieving next-generation administrative practices. He also emphasized his gratitude toward CEO Okai and the involved parties for their diligent efforts to bring this agreement to fruition. This pioneering initiative aims to enhance efficiency and productivity within the public sector.

Meanwhile, Daiki Okai stated that he feels honored to have implemented LUUP at the historical Kyoto Prefectural Office. He noted that integrating shared mobility into public services not only promotes operational efficiency but also fosters awareness of road regulations to enhance safety within the community.

Future Prospects

The partnership between Luup and Kyoto Prefecture signifies a trend toward adopting innovative transportation solutions within governmental operations. As both parties strive to improve municipal services, their collaboration hopes to inspire similar initiatives throughout Japan, paving the way for more efficient, safe, and sustainable public transportation options.

Kyoto Prefecture embodies a vision for a forward-looking administration that embraces cutting-edge mobility solutions. This innovative strategy may just redefine how public officials navigate their daily responsibilities, ultimately benefiting the community at large.