Toyota has completed Phase 1 of Woven City, marking a significant milestone in its vision for the future of mobility.
This ambitious project, which sits at the base of Mount Fuji, transforms the former site of Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Plant into a cutting-edge, experimental city.
Woven City spans 47,000 square meters in its first phase and will eventually cover 294,000 square meters.
At the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, Toyota announced this achievement, where Chairman Akio Toyoda shared his vision of transforming how people live and move in cities.
The city serves as a “living laboratory.” It brings together two key groups: the “Inventors,” who develop technology, and the “Weavers,” who live and interact with these innovations.
One standout feature of Woven City is the Kakezan Invention Hub. This space fosters collaboration between Toyota and industries worldwide. Inventors showcase their prototypes here.
Residents provide instant feedback. This immediate input accelerates product development.
Moreover, the Kakezan Invention Hub is more than just a workspace. It’s a dynamic environment for experimentation. Here, new products and services emerge through “invention by multiplication.”
An underground network handles logistics below the city. These subterranean streets are reserved for autonomous vehicles, which perform tasks like garbage collection and package deliveries.
This design keeps surface streets safe and pedestrian-friendly.
The underground system operates regardless of weather conditions, and deliveries remain consistent and efficient. This logistical solution showcases Toyota’s commitment to reliable, autonomous transportation.
Above ground, the city prioritizes human connection. The Courtyard, a central gathering spot, encourages community interaction. Residents and innovators meet here to share ideas and experiences.
In this communal space, Toyota’s e-Palette vehicles serve as mobile cafés. These autonomous platforms offer refreshments. More importantly, they create opportunities for residents to discuss technology in action.
Feedback from these interactions refines the e-Palette’s functionality.
Chairman Toyoda spoke at the Phase 1 completion ceremony. He expressed gratitude to the Susono community and project partners. He reflected on the site’s past as a manufacturing plant and its future as a hub for innovation.
Toyota plans to welcome its first residents in the fall of 2025. These initial inhabitants will include employees, researchers, and retirees, who will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
Living in Woven City offers a unique opportunity. Residents interact with advanced technology daily, and their experiences help refine autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and sustainable energy systems.
Woven City’s infrastructure emphasizes sustainability. Solar panels, hydrogen power, and energy-efficient buildings reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Clean energy solutions support Toyota’s vision of an eco-friendly future.
Technology integration extends beyond transportation. Homes feature innovative systems that monitor health, manage energy, and enhance comfort.
Residents can control their environments with voice commands or automated settings.
Safety is a priority. Sensors and AI systems monitor public spaces. These technologies improve security and streamline emergency responses.
Connectivity plays a key role in Woven City’s design. High-speed networks enable seamless communication between devices. This connectivity ensures technology responds quickly to residents’ needs.
Education and research thrive here. Labs and learning centers support continuous innovation, and students and professionals collaborate on cutting-edge projects.
Woven City also embraces nature. Green spaces, gardens, and tree-lined streets promote well-being. These areas offer residents a chance to relax and connect with the environment.
Walking paths and bike lanes encourage active lifestyles. With vehicle traffic minimized, the city feels peaceful and safe. This design supports Toyota’s goal of a human-centered urban experience.
Cultural events and community programs enrich daily life. Workshops, performances, and festivals unite people and foster a sense of belonging among residents.
Healthcare innovations are another highlight. Wearable devices track vital indicators and offer early alerts of health issues, and clinics within the city offer advanced medical care.
Retail and dining options cater to various tastes. Shops use technology to personalize the shopping experience, and restaurants source ingredients locally, promoting sustainability.
Transportation options extend beyond autonomous vehicles. Electric bikes and scooters provide convenient alternatives. These modes of transport reduce environmental impact and improve mobility.
Waste management in Woven City is state-of-the-art. Automated systems sort and process trash efficiently. Recycling initiatives further reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility.
The city’s design encourages exploration and curiosity. Interactive displays and information hubs keep residents informed, and technology enhances learning and engagement.
As Woven City grows, Toyota remains committed to its core values. Innovation, sustainability, and community guide every decision. The project serves as a blueprint for future urban developments.
More phases will expand the city in the coming years, each introducing new technologies and services.
Ultimately, Woven City aims to inspire the world. Blending technology with human needs demonstrates what’s possible. Toyota’s vision extends beyond cars; it’s about creating a better future for everyone.
The journey has just begun. Yet, Woven City already stands as a testament to what innovation and collaboration can achieve. As the first residents prepare to move in, the world watches anxiously.
Will this city of the future deliver on its promises? If Phase 1 is any indication, Woven City is on the right path. Toyota’s commitment to pushing boundaries shows that the future of urban living is already taking shape.
Woven City is not just a place. It’s a vision realized—a living, breathing example of how technology can improve lives. And this is just the beginning.
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About the author
Andy Cale is a seasoned journalist and commentator with over a decade of experience covering global news and events. He specializes in delivering insightful opinions and in-depth analysis on current affairs, shedding light on the key issues shaping our world today.
