Toyota's Woven City welcomes its first residents

Remember when Toyota set out to build a high-tech city near Mt. Fuji? Well, the automaker has officially welcomed its first residents to Woven City.

The first residents of the Woven City have started moving in, along with partner companies beginning co-creation. With it, Woven City takes its first steps as a real-world test course for mobility and a key driver of Toyota's transformation into a mobility company.

To mark the occasion, Toyota and WbyT, who jointly develop the city, held a launch event in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, with key stakeholders. The event gathered the first community of Inventors, Weavers, and partners.

First moving in are the “Inventors”, which consist of enterprises, startups, entrepreneurs, research institutions, and other innovators that are developing and testing products and services in Woven City. With Toyota's manufacturing expertise, WbyT's advanced software capabilities, and the unique strengths of each Inventor, the Woven City seeks to foster “Kakezan”. It's a Japanese concept of "multiplication," where new innovation and societal value emerge from the convergence of different ideas and capabilities.

The second profile will consist of residents and visitors, known as Weavers. They will play a vital role in shaping new, meaningful innovations, as well as experiencing the first products and services of the Woven City. Since September 2025, several Toyota Group employees and their families have begun living in Woven City as the first Weavers, with Phase 1 ultimately expected to accommodate about 300 residents. On the other hand, the first visitors are expected to be welcomed starting in fiscal year 2026.

Listed below are Toyota's plans for test course mobility and co-creation with Inventors.

During the launch event, leaders from both companies expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported the Woven City vision and participated in the challenge to drive the future of movement and enhance well-being for all.

“What we will spark here at Woven City is Kakezan ('multiplication')! No single company can create meaningful Kakezan on its own; it takes at least two. So let's gather our efforts, and with them our smiles. With plenty of smiles, doesn't it feel like we really can weave a brighter future together?” said Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation and Master Weaver of Woven City.

With Toyota pushing forward with its Woven City, we'll be curious to see how it will help the brand with its plans for future mobility for all.