Tokyo Metropolitan Government Selects Multi-Use Case eVTOL Project Led by Nomura Real Estate and Partners
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced the selection of a groundbreaking project proposal for the “eVTOL (Flying Car) Implementation Project (Phase I),” led by Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. as the Lead Company. This ambitious initiative brings together a consortium of nine companies, including ANA Holdings Inc., East Japan Railway Company, SkyDrive Inc., Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Aero Toyota Corporation, Seibu Holdings Inc., Joby Aviation, Inc., and Haneda Future Development Co., Ltd. The project aims to leverage the unique capabilities of SkyDrive and Joby Aviation aircraft to implement eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology across multiple use cases, paving the way for next-generation urban mobility.
A Vision for Urban Air Mobility
eVTOLs are poised to revolutionize urban transportation by offering a faster, cleaner, and smarter alternative to traditional modes of travel. By avoiding traffic congestion and enabling rapid point-to-point transport, eVTOLs have the potential to significantly enhance people’s Quality of Life (QOL) while bolstering the attractiveness and global competitiveness of cities. Under the “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has set a roadmap for the social implementation of eVTOLs, with the goal of achieving urban deployment by 2030. However, realizing this vision requires addressing key challenges such as public acceptance, airspace management, and urban planning integration.
This project seeks to overcome these hurdles through a phased approach, beginning with feasibility studies and demonstration flights in coastal and river areas by Fiscal Year 2026. Pre-commercial services are targeted for launch by Fiscal Year 2027, with full commercialization expected in the years that follow.
Key Objectives and Initiatives
The consortium’s proposal focuses on several core objectives:
- Feasibility Studies and Vertiport Development:
Potential vertiport locations will be identified and evaluated through detailed feasibility studies. These sites will be developed based on findings, with mock-up exhibitions and public events organized to engage communities and enhance social acceptance. Final vertiport locations are expected to be selected from Fiscal Year 2028 onward. - Public Engagement and Awareness:
To build trust and enthusiasm for eVTOL technology, the project will feature mock-up displays, open house events, and public demonstrations. These efforts aim to familiarize citizens with the benefits and safety of air mobility solutions. - Urban Integration and Functionality:
By integrating eVTOL infrastructure into Tokyo’s urban landscape, the project seeks to strengthen city functions and create seamless multimodal transportation systems. This includes collaboration with neighboring areas to revitalize key regions like Tokyo Bay. - Global Leadership in Next-Generation Mobility:
Through early implementation and innovative design, the project aims to position Tokyo as a global leader in next-generation mobility, showcasing the potential of eVTOLs to transform urban living.
Consortium Members and Their Contributions
The success of this project hinges on the diverse expertise and resources contributed by each member of the consortium:
- Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.: As the Lead Company, Nomura Real Estate brings extensive experience in large-scale redevelopment projects, particularly in Tokyo’s bay area. Its flagship project, “BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA,” exemplifies its commitment to revitalizing urban spaces and integrating advanced technologies.
- ANA Holdings Inc.: Partnering with Joby Aviation, ANA is spearheading efforts to establish safe and reliable air taxi services in Japan, beginning with the Tokyo metropolitan area. The company plans to deploy over 100 aircraft nationwide in the coming years.
- SkyDrive Inc.: A pioneer in eVTOL development, SkyDrive is manufacturing cutting-edge aircraft at a Suzuki Group factory in Shizuoka Prefecture. The company played a pivotal role in Japan’s first public manned flight test in 2020 and continues to lead regulatory framework discussions.
- East Japan Railway Company: Leveraging its railway network and urban mobility expertise, JR East is exploring new ventures centered on air mobility to complement its existing operations.
- Nikken Sekkei Ltd.: Specializing in architectural and urban design, Nikken Sekkei is advancing vertiport concepts and contributing to regulatory development as part of the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility.
- Aero Toyota Corporation: With decades of experience in aviation services and geospatial technology, Aero Toyota supports the project’s technical and operational aspects.
- Seibu Holdings Inc.: Focused on creating immersive customer experiences, Seibu Holdings is integrating air mobility into its broader portfolio of lifestyle-enhancing services.
- Joby Aviation, Inc.: Known for its quiet, sustainable eVTOL designs, Joby is preparing to launch air mobility services globally, starting with Dubai in 2026.
- Haneda Future Development Co., Ltd.: Managing HANEDA INNOVATION CITY, this entity provides valuable insights into smart city development and advanced technology integration.
Strengthening Urban Functions and Global Competitiveness
Through these collaborative efforts, the project aims to strengthen Tokyo’s urban functions by introducing eVTOLs as a practical solution for daily commuting and logistics. By reducing travel times and easing congestion, eVTOLs will enhance productivity and improve residents’ quality of life. Moreover, the project underscores Tokyo’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, setting an example for other cities worldwide.
As the consortium moves forward, it will continue to refine its strategies, engage stakeholders, and address technical and regulatory challenges. With a shared vision of transforming urban mobility, these partners are laying the groundwork for a future where the sky becomes an integral part of daily life—a future that begins in Tokyo.
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. The company successfully showcased the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights spanning one month at the Osaka Expo, witnessed by thousands of visitors. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for “SKYDRIVE”, and aims to launch the service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
