"Discussions Continue on Shaping the Future with a Focus on Mobility, Sponsored by the Government"
Japanese Government and Mobility Committee Collaborate to Shape the Future of Mobility
The Japanese government and the Committee on Mobility, under the leadership of Keidanren, have been in discussions since last November, aiming to strengthen Japan’s global standing in the mobility sector. These discussions have been focused on innovation, subsidies, and international cooperation.
The government's support for the mobility industry is primarily through continuous subsidy programs for electric vehicle (xEV) purchases, collaboration with private companies on advanced mobility technologies like electric air taxis, and facilitation of innovation and ecosystem development for sustainable mobility.
One key action is the sustained subsidies for xEV purchases. The government has allocated a substantial budget of 110 billion yen for fiscal 2024 to promote electric vehicles adoption in Japan, as the country's EV market share remains low compared to global figures.
Another significant action is the support for cutting-edge mobility technologies. The government is collaborating with companies such as ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation to develop an electric air taxi ecosystem in Japan. This includes plans to establish joint ventures, expand pilot projects, build infrastructure like vertiports, pilot training, and maintenance support.
The government also promotes sustainable mobility through expos and technology showcases, such as the Sustainable Mobility Technology Expo 2025, which highlights eco-friendly and carbon-neutral transportation technologies.
Furthermore, the government facilitates the development of digital and integrated mobility platforms through collaborative projects between major mobility companies. These projects aim to optimize logistics, manage carbon footprints, and enhance vehicle services both within Japan and internationally.
While a direct statement from the Keidanren's Committee on Mobility or Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was not found, these government-supported actions align with broader strategic intentions articulated by industry and government stakeholders to strengthen Japan’s global standing in mobility.
The discussions between the national government and the Committee on Mobility extend beyond the automotive industry and showcase the vitality and future of startups. The Tokyo Future Tour, for instance, showcased mobility solutions that assist people in disaster-prone Japan, and included exhibits by startups working to expand the potential of mobility.
On October 26, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toured the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW at Tokyo Big Sight. Before the discussion, he experienced the future of mobility at the Tokyo Future Tour. The meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and Keidanren’s Committee on Mobility was held on the sidelines of the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW.
The committee requested government support to position Japan's mobility industry at the forefront of global competition. This includes establishing an investment environment, boosting investment in small and midsized enterprises, and addressing antitrust-related issues. The committee also conveyed the Japanese industry's focus on overcoming the 2024 logistics problem and securing semiconductors, batteries, and other critical inputs.
Through meetings with the Prime Minister, the national government and industry, led by Keidanren, can work collectively to build the future of mobility in Japan. The momentum for the future is growing through cooperation, as Chairman Toyoda believes, and events like the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW spur this process by allowing people to see and discuss things directly. The event's new name signifies its focus on the mobility sector's future vision. Addressing the issues discussed is a top priority for the country, and will be addressed through public-private cooperation.
The Japanese government is supporting the mobility industry through continuous subsidy programs for electric vehicle purchases, collaboration with private companies on advanced mobility technologies like electric air taxis, and facilitation of innovation and ecosystem development for sustainable mobility, showcasing their commitment to technology in shaping the future of mobility.
In addition, the government is collaborating with companies such as ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation to develop an electric air taxi ecosystem in Japan, which highlights their investment in cutting-edge mobility technologies, further emphasizing their focus on technological advancements in the mobility sector.
