Japanese ride-hailing company Go has turned its public market debut into a strategic springboard. The company raised ¥88.6 billion in Japan's largest IPO so far in 2026, and says the funds will support robotaxi research, expansion, and targeted acquisitions.
Go's management sees autonomous mobility as a long-term answer to Japan's shrinking driver pool. The country's taxi sector has been under pressure as the number of drivers has dropped by about 20% in recent years, while an aging population makes replenishment difficult.
Founded in 1977, Go now operates Japan's biggest ride-hailing app, with 35 million downloads, 85,000 partner vehicles, and service coverage across 46 of the country's 47 prefectures. The company also holds an estimated 80% share of the market by usage time.
Its robotaxi strategy includes a partnership with Waymo and Nihon Kotsu, with Go coordinating the collaboration. The company has not announced a date for fully driverless service, but says it will move forward once the technology is validated and regulatory approval is secured.
Alongside autonomy, Go is strengthening its core business through international payment integrations such as Kakao T, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, making it easier for visitors from South Korea, China, and Taiwan to book rides in Japan.
Go is not alone in exploring this future. Uber, Wayve, and Nissan have also outlined plans for robotaxi trials in Tokyo by late 2026, signaling growing momentum around smart urban transport in Japan. The next phase of mobility may be shaped by how quickly these partnerships move from concept to daily use.