Toyota Reaches Basic Agreement with Waymo to Develop Autonomous Vehicles

TOKYO, Apr 30 (News On Japan) - Toyota has announced that it has reached a basic agreement with Waymo, the autonomous driving division under Google's parent company, to move toward a new partnership.

According to the announcement, the collaboration aims to equip Toyota vehicles with Waymo's autonomous driving technology and jointly develop a new vehicle platform.

Toyota is also considering involving its group company specializing in software development in the partnership, with plans to eventually apply the technology to consumer vehicles. Further discussions will be held to determine the scope and specifics of the collaboration.

Waymo already operates autonomous driving services in several U.S. cities including Austin, Texas, and earlier this month began pilot testing in Japan as it looks to enter the domestic market.

Toyota commented, "We are confident this is a step closer to achieving a society with zero traffic accidents."

Source: TBS

Vietnam Pavilion Opens 17 Days Late

Vietnam’s national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

Mayor Expresses Shock as Shirahama’s Pandas to Return to China

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Toyota Reaches Basic Agreement with Waymo to Develop Autonomous Vehicles

Toyota has announced that it has reached a basic agreement with Waymo, the autonomous driving division under Google's parent company, to move toward a new partnership.

BOJ Likely to Hold Rates Steady to Gauge Trump Tariff Impact

The Bank of Japan is expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at the meeting starting today, as it takes time to assess the impact of the evolving U.S. tariff policy under Donald Trump.

Japanese Chains Embrace Hybrid Stores to Revive Sales

Matsuo, operator of the Matsuo Jingisukan chain, has embarked on a surprising new venture by opening its first specialty shoe store last week in Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, selling footwear instead of lamb.

Department Stores in Kansai Shift to Korean Brands to Attract Young Shoppers

At Daimaru Umeda, a new event has started featuring popular South Korean cosmetics brands on a weekly rotation, leading to an uptick in visits from younger shoppers and those interested in Korean fashion. Hankyu Umeda is also preparing to launch a new section aimed at customers aged 25 and under, offering a fresh shopping experience that incorporates lifestyle goods and Korean brands.

Top Hospice Chain Suspected of Company-Wide Billing Fraud

The largest operator of hospice-style residential facilities, Ishinkan, already under scrutiny for allegedly inflating and falsifying medical service claims for home nursing visits, is now suspected of also fraudulently overbilling for home care services, according to testimony from multiple current and former employees.

Sushiro Expands to Over 50 Stores in China

Sushiro, one of Japan's leading conveyor belt sushi chains, is rapidly expanding its presence in China. On April 30th, it plans to open its first location in Zhejiang Province, bringing the total number of stores on the mainland to more than 50 in less than four years since entering the market.

Osaka Begins Building Casino Resort Near Expo Site

Construction of the Integrated Resort (IR) complex in Yumeshima, Osaka—adjacent to the site of the 2025 World Expo—began on April 24th, with plans to open the facility in five years.

Toyota’s Global Sales Fall for First Time in Four Years

Toyota Motor Corporation announced on April 24th that its global sales for fiscal 2024 totaled 10,273,719 vehicles, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year, marking the first year-on-year decline in four years.

< 2 3 4 5 >