British self-driving technology startup Wayve said on Tuesday it has opened a new testing and development centre in Japan, its first expansion into the Asian market, as it aims to support the advancement of AI-based autonomous driving systems.
The new facility, located in the Tokyo area, will be used to test and develop Wayve’s driving software in collaboration with automakers. The company said incorporating data from Japan’s road environments will help improve the generalization of its foundation model and increase adaptability in global markets.
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🇯🇵 こんにちは、Japan 👋🚨 We have officially opened our Testing and Development Centre in Yokohama ✨We are excited to contribute to Japan’s dynamic automotive and technology ecosystem, as we continue to refine and scale our driving intelligence for automakers and shape the… pic.twitter.com/Tg75UwILti
— Wayve (@wayve_ai) April 22, 2025
“As the Japanese automotive industry responds to shifting consumer expectations and global competition, Wayve offers a path to accelerate innovation,” the company said in a statement.
SoftBank executive Kentaro Matsui, who also serves on Wayve’s board, said the company’s presence in Japan could contribute to broader collaboration with local automakers. “Japan is embracing the rise of intelligent, software-first vehicles,” Matsui said. “Wayve’s AI technology is designed to be global, scalable, and adaptive.”
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Shiro Yamanaka, General Manager of Uber Japan, said the company welcomes Wayve’s entry into the local market. “Advancements in autonomous driving technology may help address transportation challenges and contribute to the future of mobility in Japan,” he said.
Yohei Hashimoto, President and CEO of S.RIDE Inc., also expressed interest in working with Wayve on data collection and future mobility services.
See also: UK’s Wayve to Open Self-Driving Tech Hub in Germany, Expands Testing Fleet
Nissan Motor said earlier this month it plans to use Wayve’s software in its next-generation autonomous driving system, scheduled for release in fiscal 2027.
Wayve, backed by SoftBank Group, is currently testing its technology in the UK, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. Its approach uses machine learning and camera-based sensors to develop autonomous systems, differing from traditional systems that rely heavily on digital mapping and predefined coding.