Joby Aviation, Inc. and ANA Holdings have taken a major step toward the future of urban air mobility in Japan with a successful public demonstration of Joby’s all-electric air taxi at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The event marked the first time an electric air taxi has been showcased at a world expo, highlighting Japan’s growing role in shaping the next era of aviation.
The flight demonstration included vertical takeoff, full transition to wingborne flight, and vertical landing, offering attendees a glimpse of how air taxis could transform everyday travel. The demonstration is part of Joby and ANA HD’s broader plan to develop a nationwide air taxi ecosystem in Japan. Over a period of 13 days, Joby plans to conduct more than 20 flights at the expo, underscoring the readiness of its technology for public display and regulatory evaluation.
Japan has long been recognized for revolutionizing ground transportation with its automotive industry and the Shinkansen bullet trains. Now, with the introduction of electric air taxis, the country is positioning itself to lead in the skies as well. According to Joby, these demonstrations signal the beginning of deeper collaboration with regulators, communities, and partners to bring the technology closer to real-world deployment.
The aircraft, painted in ANA’s iconic livery, showcased its quiet, zero-emission flight capabilities before an audience at Expo 2025, which is expected to draw up to 200,000 visitors daily. For Joby and ANA HD, the flights are not only an opportunity to highlight technological innovation but also a chance to build public trust and familiarity with air taxis. The data collected during the demonstrations will also be used in collaboration with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to support the development of regulatory frameworks for advanced air mobility.
As part of their long-term vision, Joby and ANA HD are working toward launching an air taxi service in Japan, starting with Tokyo. The plan includes establishing vertiports, creating pilot training programs, and setting up maintenance support systems. The companies are actively collaborating with stakeholders in real estate, manufacturing, and local government to ensure a smooth rollout of the service.
Joby already has strong ties to Japan, with Toyota serving as a key investor. In 2024, the company conducted a notable flight demonstration near Mount Fuji, further strengthening its connection with the Japanese market.
The Joby air taxi is designed to carry one pilot and up to four passengers at speeds reaching 200 miles per hour (320 km/h). The aircraft offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to ground travel, with the ability to cut journeys that normally take an hour by car to just a few minutes. In addition to easing urban congestion, the technology promises significant reductions in noise and emissions, paving the way for cleaner and faster urban mobility solutions in Japan.
With the success of the Expo 2025 demonstration, Joby and ANA HD have moved closer to their shared goal of making air taxis a practical and widely accepted mode of transportation in Japan.