Tokyo· Business · 9 sources · Sep 28, 2026Story

IHG to Debut Noted Collection Brand in Tokyo With Two Hotels

IHG will bring its Noted Collection to Japan with two Tokyo hotels: a 207-room Shinjuku property to be renovated and opened in 2027, and an 81-room new-build in Ginza scheduled for 2029. The signings mark the brand’s first entry into Japan and East Asia-Pacific, pairing hotels’ distinct local identities with IHG’s global network and loyalty program.

Business· Sep 28, 2026

Tokyo· Tech · 7 sources · Sep 15, 2026Story

Waymo and Tokyo Partners Target Japan’s First Driverless Taxi Service in 2027

Waymo, GO, and Nihon Kotsu plan Japan’s first fully driverless commercial taxi service in Tokyo by 2027, with a phased rollout of up to about 100 Level 4 autonomous vehicles accessible via the GO and Waymo apps, pending safety verifications and regulatory approvals. The initiative follows extensive testing since 2025 and involves Nihon Kotsu on-site operations while Waymo provides the autonomous system and fleet management, illustrating a coordinated push toward wider autonomous mobility in Japan.

Tech· Sep 15, 2026