The Japan Mobility Show 2025 has kicked off, with Toyota revealing new directions for its brands. What kinds of mobility are on display? Across three articles, we showcase the vision behind the individual brands and exhibits.
A sneak peek at the mobility on show
With that, let’s take a look around some of the exhibits in the Toyota and Daihatsu areas. We’ll start with Toyota.
<COROLLA CONCEPT>
Following our livestream on October 13, the commercial has probably left many people eager to learn more.
The key ideas for this concept model are “max vision” and “max space.”
In addition to a compact engine bay, the low instrument panel and character line allow for a broad field of view and spacious interior.
At present, Toyota is considering a range of powertrains, from BEV to internal combustion engine.
Judging by the small engine bay, the engine seems likely to be the compact, high-efficiency/high-output unit revealed at Toyota’s Multipathway Workshop in May last year.
The model looks set to delight all the senses, with the eye-catching center console also featuring a fragrance generator, the first of its kind in a Corolla.
From the first generation released in 1966, the Corolla has established itself as a mass-market favorite. Six decades on, it continues to evolve.
<IMV Origin>
At the last JMS, Toyota displayed the IMV 0, a pickup popular in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.
For this year’s event, the company has rolled out the IMV Origin, conceived with African customers in mind.
In mountainous regions and other parts of Africa where roads remain rough and unpaved, the high cost of four-wheeled vehicles means that crops and other goods are often transported by motorcycle.
As President Sato explained, the IMV Origin is expected to create new jobs in vehicle assembly while also serving as a stepping stone between two- and four-wheeled vehicles.
For local users, the key aspects are being able to carry a lot, and to repair the vehicle on their own. Toyota has made the cargo bed expandable to suit different types of goods and is working to ensure the IMV Origin consists of parts that are readily available locally.
<KAYOIBAKO, me series, Kids mobi>
On the commercial vehicle front, the Kayoibako BEV is back for another JMS appearance. This time, Toyota has brought five types, sized S to XL for different applications. Among them is one intended for use as an autonomous taxi.
While retaining the Kayoibako’s spacious interior and flat floor, this version also features an automated ramp to provide comfortable access for wheelchair users.
This particular model is available for visitors to ride on general access days, so don’t miss the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the me series offers mobility solutions for people of all ages and physical abilities.
Toyota’s stage hosted three models with completely different designs... Look forward to more details in a future Toyota Times report.
There is also the Kids mobi, an AI-equipped autonomous vehicle for children—literally, a car kids can chat with. The school backpack reimagined. Its cute, fluid expressions even had President Sato smiling on stage.
From mass market to commercial vehicles, and even something for the kids. Whatever your needs, Toyota is developing something with “you” in mind.
Next, new offerings from the Daihatsu brand.
<Midget X>
Despite going from three wheels to four, the Midget X still retains traces of the 1950s original.
The model shown at JMS is 2,200 mm long, 1,295 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall. This mini–BEV is designed to shine in the same scenarios where one would use a powered bicycle with child seats.
It features a 1+2 seating configuration, with two toddler-sized seats located behind the driver. The rear-hinged doors also make it easier for small children to get in and out.
From the driver’s field of view to the distance between the driver and children in the rear, the Midget X is designed to resemble the feel of a bicycle with child seats.
The idea is to assist with those little everyday trips, from heading out in rainy weather to visiting a park beyond the reach of pedal power.
Of course, as the commercial suggests, the Midget X can also be used to cart farm produce or loaded up with surfboards when heading to the beach.
The original Midget launched in 1957, at the height of Japan’s rapid economic growth, serving as both a passenger and commercial vehicle that could navigate narrow city streets inaccessible to larger cars. Nearly 70 years on, even as times change, the spirit of invention remains as strong as ever.
<K-OPEN Running Prototype>
The car that astonished President Sato, a former engineer. Shifting to rear-wheel drive makes for smoother driving, turning, and stopping.
By opting for a slant engine*, Daihatsu also sought to lower the center of gravity for greater handling stability. Building on the Copen’s signature open-top fun, the K-OPEN goes even further in pursuing the joy of driving.
*An inline engine mounted with the cylinders at an angle. This allows for a lower engine bay to improve visibility, and a lower center of gravity for enhanced stability.
This dedication to driving pleasure reflects Toyota’s spirit of making ever-better cars through motorsports.
Daihatsu also added a nice touch to the K-OPEN display, placing a mirror on the floor to show off the car’s chassis. Looking closely, you might notice some mud...
Though still a concept model, the K-OPEN is already being tested on the road.
That just leaves the all-important question of a release date... In the meantime, Daihatsu will continue to hone its design, incorporating feedback and insights gathered from JMS attendees.
With Chairman Toyoda appointed as Daihatsu’s master driver, we can also look forward to ever-better cars in the future.
Next up, Lexus
The exhibits featured here are just a portion of what’s on show. Other manufacturers of two- and four-wheeled vehicles have also unveiled an array of different mobility offerings, which we certainly recommend seeing in person.
JMS 2025 runs until November 9 (general access from October 31). The program also includes talk sessions with various experts and Tokyo Future Tour 2035, a chance to experience what mobility and daily life may look like a decade from now.
And in our next article, we share CBO Humphries’ speech for the Lexus brand, along with mobility highlights from the Lexus area. There is still much more to discover!
