Japan - October 17, 2024

The Japan Mobility Show, one of the world's major auto exhibitions, showcased a strong presence of startups, attracting interest from established automakers eager to collaborate on future developments in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and autonomous driving.

Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, the event has a history of 70 years.

This year's edition, running from Tuesday to Friday, drew over 200 companies with more than 70 percent being startups, marking a significant shift in focus from traditional automotive displays to a broader range of mobility solutions.

For example, a highlight of the Japanese automaker Toyota's exhibit was a hydrogen fuel tank, which not only powers hydrogen fuel cell vehicles but also serves domestic power needs and cooking applications.

Honda hopes to conduct exchanges and cooperation with startups engaged in the technologies, he added.

Many exhibitors also explored aerial mobility solutions. IWAYA INC., a company focused on high-altitude travel via balloons, plans to launch an aerial travel project. The team has successfully achieved crewed flights to a height of 20,816 meters using their proprietary helium balloons and resin capsules, with commercial flights expected as early as next year.

Shotlist
Tokyo, Japan - Oct 17, 2024:
1. Various of visitors, products at Japan Mobility Show; exhibitors talking to visitors;
2. Hydrogen fuel tank in display;
3. Exhibitor showing hydrogen cooker;
4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Tadashi Nakamura, chief, hydrogen product development department, Toyota (starting with shots 2-3):
"There's vast potential for hydrogen fuel, including in stoves. We aim to collaborate with startups to explore various applications of hydrogen, fostering a better hydrogen society.";
5. Various of visitors at Toyota booth;
6. Various of visitors at mobility show;
7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Shinitirou Kobashi, chief engineer, advanced robotics, Honda research and development:
"The mobility device displayed at this show integrate augmented reality technology, offering users a fresh experience.";
8. Various of visitors at mobility show, product photos in display, exhibitor talking to visitor;
9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kazuki Yamamoto, executive officer, IWAYA INC. (name not given):
"Our development capabilities are limited standing alone. We hope to join forces with auto and materials firms to enhance product and service quality.";
10. Various of visitors at mobility show.

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