Kanematsu Corporation (President & CEO: Yoshiya Miyabe, "Kanematsu") has agreed with Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. (President & CEO: Koji Ishikawa, "Sompo Japan") and Autonomous a2z Corporation (CEO: Ji-Hyeong Han, "A2Z") to launch a comprehensive collaboration aimed at realizing sustainable regional public transportation in Japan and accelerating the social implementation of autonomous mobility services.

Kanematsu has been selected as the contractor for Toyooka City's Autonomous Driving Bus Demonstration Project*1. As the first concrete initiative under this collaboration, Kanematsu, Sompo Japan and A2Z will jointly promote the project. Through demonstration operations in the Kinosaki Onsen area, the three companies will work to establish a safe and reliable operational framework by combining their respective expertise and capabilities, while also validating a comprehensive solution that provides end-to-end support, from vehicle deployment and risk management to insurance coverage.

*1 Toyooka City Autonomous Driving Bus Demonstration Project

[Background and Objectives]

Across Japan, local governments are facing increasingly severe driver shortages due to population decline and an aging society. As a result, reductions and discontinuations of bus routes are creating growing "transportation deserts," making the maintenance and improvement of regional public transportation an urgent challenge. In addition, tourist destinations require sustainable mobility infrastructure that can both enhance visitor circulation and secure everyday transportation for local residents.

A2Z possesses globally competitive autonomous driving technologies and vehicle development capabilities. The company was ranked seventh globally in the 2025 Autonomous Vehicle Leaderboard published by Guidehouse Inc.*2 In August 2025, Kanematsu signed a Memorandum of Understanding with A2Z*3 and has since been advancing initiatives to demonstrate and introduce autonomous mobility services across Japan.

Under its next-generation mobility solutions platform, SOMPO MobineX*4, Sompo Japan offers SOMPO ALCS*5, a comprehensive package solution that supports the introduction and social implementation of autonomous vehicles. Through services such as risk management and dedicated insurance products, Sompo Japan has established a leading track record in Japan in ensuring safety and mitigating risks associated with autonomous driving.

Through this collaboration, Kanematsu will combine A2Z's autonomous driving technologies and vehicles with Sompo Japan's risk management and insurance capabilities. By building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates vehicle procurement, system development, operational safety management and insurance coverage, Kanematsu aims to create an environment in which local governments and transportation operators can introduce autonomous mobility services smoothly and safely.

*2 According to Guidehouse's "2025 Autonomous Vehicle Leaderboard"

*3 Kanematsu signs a memorandum of understanding with South Korean autonomous driving technology leader Autonomous A2Z —Aiming for sustainable next-generation transportation—

*4 SOMPO MobineX is the SOMPO Group's comprehensive mobility solutions brand aimed at addressing social challenges in next-generation mobility and realizing a society in which everyone can move freely.

*5 SOMPO ALCS stands for Autonomous, Level 4, Comprehensive and Support. It is a solution package that comprehensively supports the introduction and operation of autonomous driving services by providing autonomous driving risk assessments, emergency response framework development, roadside assistance and dedicated insurance products.

[Roles and Responsibilities Under the Collaboration]

Kanematsu, Sompo Japan and A2Z will conduct demonstrations and validations aimed at deploying and socially implementing autonomous mobility services that comply with Japan's road environment and regulatory requirements. The demonstration project in Toyooka City will serve as the first initiative under this collaboration.

Kanematsu
  • Overall management of demonstration and deployment projects, including coordination with local governments and related organizations
  • Introduction of A2Z autonomous vehicles and systems into Japan, and establishment of supply and maintenance frameworks
  • Validation of business models tailored to regional transportation challenges and promotion of commercialization
Sompo Japan
  • Support for establishing emergency response frameworks through SOMPO ALCS, including risk assessments, dedicated autonomous vehicle insurance and maintenance network development support
A2Z
  • Provision and optimization of autonomous driving software and fleet management systems
  • Vehicle modifications and system tuning to comply with Japan's road conditions, climate and regulations
  • Driving data analysis and technical support during demonstration operations

[Future Initiatives]

Kanematsu, together with Sompo Japan and A2Z, will leverage operational know-how and driving data obtained through the Toyooka City demonstration project to expand joint proposals to local governments and transportation operators across Japan.

The three companies will work to establish safety-first operational frameworks aimed at addressing transportation deserts in a variety of regions, including rural and mountainous areas as well as tourist destinations. Looking ahead to the realization of Level 4 autonomous driving services, they will contribute to the wider adoption of sustainable mobility services.

Kanematsu is actively promoting the social implementation of next-generation mobility services, including autonomous driving and eVTOL aircraft, through collaboration with domestic and international partners. Going forward, the company will continue contributing to the resolution of regional challenges and the realization of a sustainable society.

[Company Profile of Autonomous a2z Corporation]

Company Name
 Autonomous a2z Co., Ltd.
Established
 July 18, 2018
CEO
 Ji-Hyeong Han
Head Office
 Silseup-dong , 50, Gamasil-gil, Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Business
 Research, development, and sales of autonomous driving technologies and vehicles
Website
 https://autoa2z.ai/

[Contact]

PR Section, Kanematsu Corporation Tel: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/