In September 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced a public-private project to advance the social implementation of hydrogen by accelerating efforts to put it into practical use.
As the initiative’s first step, fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Crown taxis have begun operating on the streets of Tokyo.
Although the vehicles are large and can be challenging to maneuver on narrow roads, they offer excellent quietness and acceleration. Drivers have praised them, saying, “They’re quite cool,” and “I’ve never driven a car this good before.”
At the time of filming, only three were on the road, but 200 are scheduled to be introduced by the end of fiscal 2025—meaning more opportunities for passengers to try them out. The base fare is ¥500 (at the time of filming), the same as a standard taxi, making it an easy choice.
Data collected from these hydrogen taxis will help explore the optimal balance of hydrogen supply and demand. Toyota President Koji Sato, who is also co-chair of the Japan Hydrogen Association, described the initiative as “a tremendous first step with meaningful implications for large-scale social implementation.”
Next, our story moves to Fukushima Prefecture, where further hydrogen initiatives are underway.
In September, Netz Toyota Koriyama opened the Asaka dealership—the first in Japan to make full use of hydrogen.
The store is equipped with a stationary fuel-cell generator that runs on hydrogen. It uses the same system as the Mirai to generate power, and the hydrogen tanks—repurposed from FC trucks—apply the technical expertise gained from carmaking.
The dealership also generates power using perovskite solar cells, which are lightweight, thin, flexible, and easy to install in various locations. The store is testing both blue and black types to compare their power generation efficiency.
Whether in cities or rural areas, in taxis or dealerships, progress toward social implementation is driven by using hydrogen, identifying challenges, and improving solutions along the way. When Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, completed the Super Taikyu 24-Hour Race for the first time in a hydrogen-powered Corolla, he shared these words:
“I believe that it is through ‘purposeful passion and action’ that we will create a future of carbon neutrality.”
The circle of partners driven by purposeful passion and action to build a hydrogen society continues to grow.
