Kanematsu Corporation (President & CEO: Yoshiya Miyabe, "Kanematsu") has been selected as the contractor for the Autonomous Bus Demonstration Project organized by Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. As part of the project, Kanematsu will conduct an autonomous bus demonstration service in the Kinosaki Onsen area using an autonomous driving vehicle and system developed by Autonomous a2z Corporation (CEO: Ji-Hyeong Han, "A2Z").
Through this demonstration, Kanematsu aims to evaluate solutions for maintaining and enhancing regional public transportation services and addressing mobility challenges in tourist destinations, while also accumulating knowledge to support the social implementation of autonomous driving technologies.
Kanematsu is currently preparing for the launch of the demonstration service in November 2026. The project outline is as follows. Please note that the schedule, route, and other details are subject to change depending on discussions with relevant authorities and regulatory approvals.
A2Z's autonomous vehicle "ROii" to be used in the demonstration service
[Background]
Toyooka City faces growing challenges in maintaining local public transportation services due to a declining population, an aging society, a shortage of drivers, and decreasing ridership. In response, the city has decided to conduct its first demonstration project aimed at introducing autonomous buses as a next-generation mobility solution to secure sustainable transportation options and opportunities for residents to travel outside their homes in the years ahead.
The Kinosaki Onsen area, where the demonstration will take place, is working to alleviate traffic congestion. At the same time, the area faces safety and congestion challenges as tourist vehicles share narrow streets with visitors enjoying the traditional practice of strolling through the hot spring town. Looking ahead to the introduction of green slow mobility services and the establishment of a local area management organization that could operate such services in the future, Toyooka City selected Kinosaki Onsen as a demonstration field for a sustainable autonomous mobility model.
Kanematsu and Toyooka City have been promoting the social implementation of next-generation mobility through their collaboration in the field of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). Since FY2023, Kanematsu has participated in Hyogo Prefecture's Flying Car Implementation Promotion Program, studying potential takeoff and landing sites in Kinosaki Onsen and participating in the Stork and Flying Car Social Implementation Promotion Council. Leveraging the relationships and expertise developed through these initiatives, Kanematsu proposed this project in the field of ground mobility as well.
In addition, Kanematsu signed a memorandum of understanding with A2Z regarding autonomous driving technology in August 2025*1. The demonstration service will utilize A2Z's autonomous driving vehicle and system.
[Demonstration Project Overview]
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Autonomous Bus Demonstration Project |
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Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture (Contractor: Kanematsu Corporation) |
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Kinosaki Onsen area (approximately 1.8 km one-way between Kinosaki Onsen Station and the vicinity of Kinosaki International Arts Center) |
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A2Z autonomous vehicle "ROii" (electric vehicle; Length: 4.90 m, Width: 2.09 m, Height: 2.66 m, Vehicle Weight: 2,890 kg, Driving Range: approximately 260 km per charge based on catalog specifications) |
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Vehicle equipped with a Level 4-capable autonomous driving system; operated at SAE Level 2 with an onboard operator during the demonstration period |
| Demonstration Period | Scheduled for weekdays from November 9 to December 4, 2026 (excluding weekends) |
| Launch Ceremony | Scheduled for November 6, 2026 |
| Service Frequency | Three trips per day, departing at 11:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 1:10 p.m. |
| Stops | Several locations within the Kinosaki Onsen area (currently under discussion with relevant authorities; details will be announced once finalized) |
| Fare | Free of charge |
The schedule, route, stops, and other details above are subject to change depending on consultations with the Kinki District Transport Bureau, Hyogo Prefectural Police, and other relevant authorities, as well as regulatory approvals.
[Future Initiatives]
Together with Toyooka City and A2Z, Kanematsu will utilize operational data, passenger survey results, and other findings obtained through the demonstration service to study the realization of full-scale autonomous operations at SAE Level 4 in the Kinosaki Onsen area. Kanematsu will also leverage the knowledge gained through this project to support deployment in other regions facing similar transportation challenges.
Through partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders, Kanematsu is advancing the social implementation of next-generation mobility services, including autonomous driving technologies and eVTOLs. Going forward, Kanematsu will continue contributing to the resolution of regional challenges and the realization of a sustainable society.
[Company Profile of Autonomous a2z Corporation]
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Autonomous a2z Co., Ltd. |
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July 18, 2018 |
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Ji-Hyeong Han |
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Silseup-dong , 50, Gamasil-gil, Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea |
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Research, development, and sales of autonomous driving technologies and vehicles |
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https://autoa2z.ai/ |
[Contact]
PR Section, Kanematsu Corporation Tel: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/