At CES 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) officially announced the completion of Phase 1 construction of Toyota Woven City, a cutting-edge smart city designed to test and develop future mobility solutions. Located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Woven City is positioned as a key component of Toyota’s transformation into a mobility company. The Phase 1 launch is scheduled for fall 2025 or shortly thereafter.
Evolution of Woven City
Toyota initially introduced its pivot toward becoming a mobility company at CES 2018. By CES 2020, the company unveiled the Woven City concept, developed collaboratively with Woven by Toyota (WbyT). This initiative underscores Toyota’s dedication to advancing sustainable mobility, smart city technologies, and human-centric urban design.
The project has progressed significantly since the February 23, 2021 groundbreaking ceremony at the former site of Toyota Motor East Japan’s (TMEJ) Higashi-Fuji Plant. By October 2024, construction of the initial Phase 1 buildings—designed for co-creation activities—was completed. Preparations are now underway to officially launch Phase 1.
Recognition and Sustainability
Woven City’s Phase 1 has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability and design. It became the first project in Japan to earn the prestigious LEED for Communities Platinum certification, highlighting its commitment to environmentally conscious development and enhancing quality of life for its residents.
Ongoing Developments
In addition to the Phase 1 launch, renovations are underway to convert a former TMEJ Higashi-Fuji Plant facility into a manufacturing hub supporting Woven City’s operations. Site preparation for Phase 2 has also commenced, with insights from Phase 1 expected to refine future phases and enhance functionality across the city.
A Collaborative Ecosystem of Innovation
Woven City is designed as a test course for mobility innovation, attracting inventors, entrepreneurs, and organizations dedicated to solving societal challenges. These participants, referred to as “Inventors,” include Toyota, WbyT, and Toyota Group companies, as well as external startups, universities, and research institutions.
Key collaborations announced for Woven City include:
- Daikin Industries, Ltd.: Developing “pollen-free spaces” and personalized environmental solutions.
- DyDo DRINCO, INC.: Innovating vending machine technologies.
- NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS CO., LTD.: Experimenting with food environments to inspire new food cultures.
- UCC Japan Co., Ltd.: Redefining the coffee experience through advanced concepts.
- Zoshinkai Holdings Inc.: Creating innovative educational platforms using data-driven insights.
Discussions with partners like ENEOS Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), and Rinnai Corporation remain ongoing. An accelerator program for startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers is set to launch in summer 2025.
Role of Residents and Visitors
Residents and visitors, known as “Weavers,” will play a pivotal role in the development of Woven City. These individuals share a passion for innovation and social progress. During the initial launch in fall 2025, around 100 residents—primarily Toyota and WbyT staff and their families—will participate in co-creation activities. Over time, the community will expand to include external inventors and their families, eventually accommodating approximately 360 residents in Phase 1 and up to 2,000 across all phases. Public participation in co-creation activities is planned for FY2026 or later.
A Vision for the Future of Mobility
Woven City exemplifies Toyota’s mission to redefine mobility, extending beyond transportation to include the movement of goods, information, and energy. The project integrates Toyota’s decades-long manufacturing expertise with WbyT’s software capabilities to create innovative, scalable solutions.
Further reflecting its forward-looking vision, Toyota has invested in Interstellar Technologies Inc., leveraging its expertise to support rocket production and expand mobility to space.
Key Information: Woven City Phase 1
- Location: 117 Mishuku, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan (former TMEJ Higashi-Fuji Plant)
- Site Area: Approx. 50,000 sq. m (total expansion to approx. 708,000 sq. m)
- Timeline Highlights:
- January 7, 2020: Concept revealed at CES 2020.
- February 23, 2021: Groundbreaking ceremony and start of site preparation.
- October 31, 2024: Phase 1 construction completed.
- Fall 2025 or later: Phase 1 official launch.
Toyota and Woven by Toyota aim to position Woven City as a global model for sustainable smart cities, fostering innovation, collaboration, and well-being for all.