Weaving future in city

The Woven City innovation hub, a living laboratory in Japan where resident inventors test and refine the future of mobility, will connect global technology with local action as Toyota New Zealand works towards achieving its vision of “mobility for all”. 

The official launch of Woven City in Susono, Shizuoka prefecture, has seen the first residents, known as “weavers”, beginning to live in the city.

The hub is “pioneering human-centric solutions” for the movement of people, goods, information and energy. Demonstrations include advanced driving-assistance systems, mobility-software platforms, smart logistics and next-generation community energy systems.

By combining Toyota’s manufacturing expertise, advanced software capabilities and the strengths of each inventor, Woven City seeks to foster “kakezan” – a Japanese concept of “multiplication” when new innovation and societal values emerge by combining ideas and capabilities. 

At Woven City, Toyota aims to merge automotive expertise with insights from other industries to create solutions and societal benefits.

Tatsuya Ishikawa, chief executive officer at Toyota NZ, says the woven city philosophy for innovation being tested in Japan connects directly to his company’s local mission to deliver mobility for all as part its Let’s Go Places brand promise.

He explains: “Toyota New Zealand isn’t just envisioning the future of transport but actively creating it. We believe mobility is a universal right, and through technology we are evolving from being solely a new-vehicle sales-orientated company to offering total mobility solutions to drive New Zealand forward. 

“That includes electrification and multiple powertrain technologies, but also flexible options such as shorter-term car sharing via Cityhop by Toyota and rentals via Ezi Car Rental by Toyota, which will make driving a Toyota more accessible than ever.”

While Woven City in Japan is testing the future of mobility, Toyota NZ is working to bring many of these ideas to life here at home. 

Through Cityhop, the country’s first car-share service, more people can access a Toyota when and where they need it without the cost of ownership. Similarly, Ezi Car Rental provides flexible short and long-term options, allowing Kiwis to scale transport up or down as their needs change.

Toyota’s leadership in hybrid electric vehicles has already put more than 100,000 hybrids on New Zealand roads, reducing emissions and fuel use. 

Looking further ahead, the company is investing in hydrogen innovation and supporting Global Bus Ventures through its hydrogen trucks. The deployment of the GEH2 generator, powered by Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel-cell technology, demonstrates how zero-emissions energy can be used to power events, worksites and communities.

“As Woven City evolves, the technologies pioneered there will shape real-world solutions here in New Zealand, from smarter energy systems to more flexible mobility services,” says Ishikawa. “These innovations ensure we can preserve the Kiwi way of life while reducing our environmental impact, strengthening our economy and supporting communities to thrive.” 

Woven City will continue to expand with about 300 residents expected in its first phase and wider public access planned from 2026.