Toyota's high-tech Woven City experiment to get first residents

It was exactly five years ago when Toyota first announced it would build a high-tech city near Mt. Fuji. Called the “Woven City”, it was billed by Toyota to be a 'living laboratory' for future technologies in autonomy, robotics, mobility, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Not only that, but the Woven City will also serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers who will test and develop technologies in a real-world environment. Fast forward to 2025, Toyota has announced it has completed Phase 1 construction of its Woven City.

It's scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2025 and will get its first residents in the near future. Toyota shared that Woven City has made steady progress since its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 2021, at the former site of Toyota Motor East Japan's ("TMEJ") Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Previously recognized for its environmentally conscious and human-centric design, Woven City is aimed at enhancing people's overall quality of life. In fact, it earned Japan's first LEED for Communities Platinum certification, the system's highest rank.

As mentioned earlier, Woven City will serve as a test course for mobility where inventors can develop, test, and validate various products and services. Inventors will include Toyota and Toyota Group companies, such as WbyT, as well as external companies, startups, and individual entrepreneurs. Through collaboration among inventors and feedback from residents and visitors, Woven City aims to drive innovation and shape a better tomorrow.

Inventors that have already been confirmed to be part of Woven City are as follows:

Apart from those who are already confirmed, Toyota shared that Woven City is also in continued discussions with previously announced companies such as ENEOS, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation, and Rinnai Corporation. External startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and research institutions are also scheduled to be invited to Woven City starting in 2025.

Residents and visitors will also play a vital role alongside inventors in Woven City. Known as “Weavers”, these individuals share a passion for the 'expansion of mobility' and a commitment to building a more flourishing society.

At the official launch of Woven City, starting in fall 2025 or thereafter, approximately 100 residents•primarily Toyota and WbyT staff and their families•are expected to participate in co-creation activities as the first residents. The community will then gradually expand to include external inventors and their families. Phase 1 is expected to accommodate around 360 residents, with the total population, including Phase 2 and subsequent phases, expected to reach approximately 2,000.

Last but not least, visitors will initially be limited to related parties, with plans to introduce the general public to participate as Weavers in co-creation activities starting in fiscal year 2026 or thereafter.