#Japan #Tokyo #Autonomous Driving #Anou Taku #TK Taxi

The Launch of Anou Taku Company

In a significant move to solve the growing challenges faced by local transportation, particularly in rural areas, TK Taxi Corporation's parent company, Miraisu Group, has announced the establishment of Anou Taku Company. Based in Tokyo, this new entity will focus on operating robot taxis and buses utilizing autonomous vehicles, with a launch date set for October 1, 2025.

Background of the Establishment

As urban areas face a severe shortage of bus and taxi drivers, access to transportation for local residents is becoming increasingly limited. In many communities, bus services have been cut back or even discontinued due to a lack of drivers, forcing residents to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for taxi services. This troubling trend has led to a situation where many people are unable to get to their desired destinations when needed.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, approximately 23,000 km of bus routes have been abandoned across Japan from fiscal year 2008 to 2023. Additionally, data from the National Taxi Association indicates that the number of taxi vehicles has decreased by about 57,000, or roughly 24%, from 2007 to 2023, currently totaling around 169,000 vehicles.

Despite the introduction of new services such as public ride-sharing, these solutions have struggled to counteract the fundamental trends of population decline and driver shortages. As a result, the adoption of autonomous vehicles is becoming essential for maintaining transportation services in rural areas.

The Japanese government has announced a strategy in its 2023 revised Digital Rural City National Strategy, aiming to implement unmanned autonomous transportation services in over 100 regions by the fiscal year 2027.

Direction of the Business

Anou Taku Company plans to actively incorporate international autonomous driving technologies and forge partnerships with domestic companies and local governments. By fiscal year 2027, the goal is to commence operations of robot taxis that comply with Level 4 autonomy (fully driverless operation). The company's mission is to support the mobility of elderly individuals, students, and those facing transportation difficulties while contributing to the development of sustainable local transportation infrastructure.

Funds for the expansion of the business are to be raised in accordance with relevant legal regulations, and this announcement is not intended as an investment solicitation.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Anou Taku Company
• - Location: 2-12-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 2nd Floor, Shinjuku Entresalon Building
• - Representative: Yoshiyuki Kobayashi, President and CEO
• - Established: October 1, 2025
• - Website: miraizu-selfdriving-bus.com, miraizu-japan.com

Contact Information

Anou Taku Company
Public Relations: Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
Email: [email protected]

With this significant initiative, Anou Taku Company is set to reshape the future of transportation in Japan, especially for those reliant on public transit in underserved areas.