Is Uber's Robotaxi Deal With Japan's Hinomaru Kotsu a Growth Catalyst? Uber Technologies UBER announced that Uber Japan has entered into an operational partnership with taxi operator Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. Hinomaru Kotsu will manage daily fleet operations for Uber’s autonomous-vehicle pilot in Tokyo, which is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Its responsibilities will include depot management, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging and ensuring vehicle availability. Uber will make the rides accessible through its global ride-hailing app. The initiative follows the robotaxi partnership Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 12, 2026, by Uber, Wayve and Nissan Motor. The pilot will use Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, enabling riders to experience advanced robotaxi services as an everyday transportation option. Japanese law requires authorized taxi companies to operate passenger transportation services. The initiative will comply fully with all domestic laws, regulations and licensing requirements. Uber will provide its ride-matching platform and operational support tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will act as the authorized operator and manage the fleet. Safety will remain the highest priority during the pilot’s initial phase. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will sit behind the wheel as safety operators to monitor the vehicles and support reliable operations. This phased approach will precede any future introduction of fully driverless services, which will remain subject to regulatory approval. If the partnership materializes as planned, Uber will benefit by expanding its autonomous-mobility presence in Japan without directly assuming the responsibilities reserved for licensed taxi operators. The arrangement will combine Uber’s customer reach, matching technology and operational tools with Hinomaru Kotsu’s local fleet expertise and regulatory authorization. This move will also allow Uber to test robotaxi operations in Tokyo’s complex driving environment, strengthen its collaboration with Nissan and Wayve, gather valuable operational experience and prepare for a potential transition to