{"id":1036,"date":"2026-04-03T14:34:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T05:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/?p=1036"},"modified":"2026-04-03T14:34:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T05:34:43","slug":"2026-02-02-seminar-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/2026-02-02-seminar-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"2026.02.02 The 15th TGIF Seminar: The Mobility Revolution Transforming Local Communities: Implementation and Collaboration Starting from Higashihiroshima"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On February 2, 2026, we held the 15th TGIF Seminar, titled \u2018The Mobility Revolution Transforming Local Communities: Implementation and Collaboration Starting from Higashihiroshima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this seminar, discussions centered on the autonomous BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) project currently underway in Higashihiroshima. Representatives from local government, railway operators, automobile manufacturers, bus operators, and research institutions gathered to examine next\u2011generation transportation systems from multiple perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch the seminar here (some parts are unavailable due to circumstances)\uff1a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"\u7b2c15\u56deTGIF\u30bb\u30df\u30ca\u30fc\u300c\u5730\u57df\u3092\u5909\u3048\u308b\u30e2\u30d3\u30ea\u30c6\u30a3\u9769\u547d\u30fc\u6771\u5e83\u5cf6\u304b\u3089\u59cb\u307e\u308b\u5b9f\u88c5\u3068\u9023\u643a\u300d\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hPxSf2C8dk8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a digest of the presentations delivered on the day of the seminar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Higashihiroshima\u2019s Challenge: Shaping the Future of Mobility Through Data and Collaboration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first half of the seminar, Hiroshima University and the City of Higashihiroshima shared the current situation of the region and their future vision. Following the opening remarks by Professor Kaneko of Hiroshima University, which addressed the challenges facing the region as well as the concepts of smart mobility and co\u2011creation in Higashihiroshima, Mr. Aragane from the city presented its transportation policies, and Professor Chikaraishi delivered a research lecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Higashihiroshima is a vibrant city with a steadily growing population; however, approximately 70 percent of trips rely on private automobiles, and improving citizen satisfaction with public transportation has long been a challenge. The city has announced its \u2018Next\u2011Generation University Town Initiative,\u2019 which includes a plan to obtain Level 4 autonomous driving approval by 2027 for the boulevard connecting Saij\u014d Station and Hiroshima University. In connection with this, Professor Chikaraishi emphasized the importance of data\u2011driven discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/ja\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0348-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1859\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opening Remarks by Professor Kaneko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Technology in Practice: JR West\u2019s Autonomous and Platooning BRT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Tabata from JR West reported on the development status of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system that the company aims to implement in Higashihiroshima. The system employs a \u2018platooning\u2019 technology in which a driver operates the lead vehicle while unmanned following vehicles automatically track its movement, offering a potential solution to driver shortages. At the same time, he candidly noted that vehicle costs and social acceptance\u2014particularly gaining public understanding\u2014remain major challenges for practical implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/ja\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0393-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1861\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mr. Tabata of JR West Outlines Four Key Challenges Ahead<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Legal Barriers to Autonomous Driving: AIST\u2019s Initiatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Hashimoto from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) outlined the key challenges involved in embedding new technologies into society. They emphasized that achieving autonomous driving requires not only technological advancement but also the development of viable business models and appropriate legal frameworks. In particular, they noted that ensuring in\u2011vehicle safety in the absence of a driver and clarifying legal responsibility are critical issues, and that AIST is working with the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency to develop relevant guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. A Manufacturer\u2019s Perspective: Suzuki\u2019s Approach to Everyday Mobility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Fujitani from Suzuki Motor Corporation presented the company\u2019s unique approach as an automobile manufacturer. Distinct from the Western trend of pursuing high\u2011performance, high\u2011cost autonomous vehicles, Suzuki places emphasis on mobility as everyday infrastructure, guided by its philosophy of \u2018small, fewer, light, short, and beautiful.\u2019 He introduced several initiatives tailored to local realities, including the application of autonomous driving technologies within factory operations and a biogas project in India that utilizes cattle manure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Real\u2011World Insights from a Leading Case: The Hitachi BRT Operated by Ibaraki Kotsu<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Mr. Masuda from Ibaraki Kotsu presented a case report on the Hitachi BRT, one of the few systems in Japan operating Level 4 autonomous driving under a commercial (green\u2011plate) license. He shared several on\u2011the\u2011ground challenges, including situations in which autonomous driving must be suspended due to rain or low visibility, as well as the issue of reduced operating speeds\u2014often below 40 km\/h\u2014because the system is calibrated with a strong emphasis on safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This seminar highlighted the importance of a multifaceted approach to social implementation\u2014one that goes beyond technical experimentation to include legal frameworks, business models, and the realities of everyday life. The discussions underscored the value of collaboration among industry, government, and academia, and heightened expectations for the future development of the \u2018Higashihiroshima Model,\u2019 which seeks to address regional mobility challenges through such partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About TGIF Seminar<\/strong><br>The TGIF seminar drives to engage with all participants to understand the challenges and identify new research and business opportunities through collaborations. The outcomes could lead to further research funding or new business opportunities and strengthening cross-sector networks. By working with multidisciplinary academics and industry partners, we aim to contribute to regional and national development as a successful example in Japan, specifically in the area of \u2018carbon neutral, smart city and campus SDGs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On February 2, 2026, we held the 15th TGIF Seminar, titled \u2018The Mobility Revolution Transforming Local Communities: Implementation and Collaboration Starting from Higashihiroshima. In this seminar, discussions centered on the autonomous BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) project currently underway in Higashihiroshima. Representatives from local government, railway operators, automobile manufacturers, bus operators, and research institutions gathered to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/2026-02-02-seminar-mobility\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;2026.02.02 The 15th TGIF Seminar: The Mobility Revolution Transforming Local Communities: Implementation and Collaboration Starting from Higashihiroshima&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1040,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,9],"tags":[15],"class_list":["post-1036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tgif-event","category-tgif-seminar","tag-tgif"],"featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-300x173.jpg",300,173,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5.jpg",768,444,false],"large":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-1024x591.jpg",950,548,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5.jpg",1347,778,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5.jpg",1347,778,false],"inspiro-featured-image":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5.jpg",1347,778,false],"inspiro-loop":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-950x320.jpg",950,320,true],"inspiro-loop@2x":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-1347x640.jpg",1347,640,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-600x400.jpg",600,400,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail@2x":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-1200x778.jpg",1200,778,true],"portfolio_item-masonry":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-600x347.jpg",600,347,true],"portfolio_item-masonry@2x":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-1200x693.jpg",1200,693,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail_cinema":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-800x335.jpg",800,335,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail_portrait":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-600x778.jpg",600,778,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail_portrait@2x":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-1200x778.jpg",1200,778,true],"portfolio_item-thumbnail_square":["https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_TGIF5-800x778.jpg",800,778,true]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1054,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions\/1054"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tgif.hiroshima-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}