The 2024 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) promises to be a groundbreaking event, with a renewed focus on fostering business co-creation across industries. Spearheaded by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), this year’s event emphasizes collaboration as a way to address critical societal challenges and forge innovative partnerships in mobility and technology. With 150 startups and 50 established companies set to showcase their technologies, JMS 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition.
The Evolution of the Japan Mobility Show
From Motor Show to Mobility Show: The Rebranding
The history of the Japan Mobility Show dates back to its origins as the Tokyo Motor Show, an event that largely focused on showcasing new vehicles and technological advancements in the automotive sector. However, in 2023, the event underwent a significant transformation in both name and purpose. The name change from “Tokyo Motor Show” to “Japan Mobility Show” symbolized a shift in focus from automobiles alone to the broader concept of mobility. This rebranding recognized that future transportation would not be limited to cars but would encompass new ways of moving people and goods across increasingly smart, connected environments.
This new direction was inspired by the vision to create an event that brings together a wide array of stakeholders—not only car manufacturers but also tech startups, electronics companies, and innovators from various sectors. As Akio Toyoda, then-chairman of JAMA, remarked during the 2023 show’s closing recap, the goal was to “create an event that brings together everyone interested in the future of mobility, from car lovers and driving enthusiasts to startups and people from other industries.” This holistic approach aims to accelerate innovation and enhance mobility’s role in society.
The 2024 JMS: Deepening Business Focus
Building on the success of last year’s show, the 2024 Japan Mobility Show shifts even further toward the business aspects of mobility. During a press conference in May 2024, JAMA Chairman Masanori Katayama (Isuzu) emphasized the theme of business co-creation. This year, the event will serve as a platform where companies, from startups to global giants, can come together to create new business models, services, and products that will define the future of mobility.
Katayama pointed out that this year’s JMS would not only showcase the latest in mobility technology but also facilitate new business partnerships. “We see this year’s show as an opportunity to go beyond simply showing products. It’s about bringing together industries that will build the future of transportation,” he said. This vision aligns with the goals of the Japanese government’s Society 5.0 initiative, which seeks to create a human-centered society by integrating cyberspace with physical spaces, enhancing both economic development and the resolution of social challenges.
Key Features of the 2024 Japan Mobility Show
Annual Event: Establishing a New Tradition
One of the major announcements at the May 2024 press conference was the decision to make the Japan Mobility Show an annual event. This decision reflects the growing importance of the mobility sector in addressing societal challenges such as sustainability, urbanization, and digital transformation. The annual format will allow JMS to maintain its relevance and stay at the forefront of technological innovation. By alternating between a focus on showcasing new technologies one year and fostering business partnerships the next, the JMS will offer participants a dynamic environment for both product launches and strategic collaborations.
The move to an annual event builds on the strong foundation laid by the 2023 show, which drew 1.11 million visitors. Last year’s show was hailed for its focus on engaging both industry professionals and the general public, with interactive exhibits and opportunities to experience new mobility technologies firsthand. The introduction of JMS as an annual event underscores JAMA’s commitment to keeping Japan at the cutting edge of global mobility trends.
Creating the Future of Mobility: Cross-Industry Collaborations
At the heart of JMS 2024 is the goal of fostering cross-industry collaboration. As the lines between industries blur, especially between automotive and tech sectors, the JMS seeks to create an environment where these industries can converge to solve complex challenges. The event will highlight collaborations between automotive companies, electronics firms, IT companies, and new startups that aim to redefine what mobility means in the 21st century.
The 2024 JMS will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from October 15 to 18, and it will once again be co-hosted with CEATEC, Japan’s premier digital innovation exhibition. This partnership underscores the show’s mission to go beyond the automotive industry and embrace the broader concept of mobility, which includes digital infrastructure, autonomous technologies, and the integration of smart cities. CEATEC’s focus on digital innovation dovetails with the goals of the JMS, as the IT and electronics industries bring ideas and technologies that enhance mobility solutions and user experiences.
Chairman Katayama was enthusiastic about this collaboration, stating, “We aim to work together with the IT and electronics sectors to develop new mobility solutions. Their expertise will help enhance mobility value and provide richer experiences for end users.”
Future Mobility Forum: A Hub for Innovation
One of the key highlights of JMS 2024 will be the Future Mobility Forum, where top executives from JAMA and key industry leaders will come together to discuss the future of mobility. This forum will provide a platform for leaders to share their visions for a mobility-based society and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A particularly exciting element of this year’s forum is the continuation of the startup pitch contests, which were a huge success in 2023. These contests allow emerging startups to present their innovative solutions to an audience of industry leaders and investors. In addition to the pitch contests, this year’s show will introduce reverse pitching sessions. In these sessions, established companies will present real-world challenges they face in areas like sustainability, automation, or smart infrastructure, and startups will be invited to propose creative solutions.
Katayama expressed his excitement about these new formats, saying, “This year, we’re taking things a step further with reverse pitches, where startups and established companies collaborate to address pressing mobility challenges. It’s not just about finding a solution, but co-creating one together.”
Fostering Business Co-Creation
Business Matching and Networking Opportunities
JMS 2024 is designed not only as a showcase but also as a meeting ground for business leaders. The event will provide numerous opportunities for startups and established companies to engage in direct dialogue. Through a combination of in-person networking sessions and online business-matching platforms, the show will encourage dynamic conversations and foster new partnerships. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between different industries, facilitating collaboration that can lead to new business ventures, product innovations, and even entire ecosystems of mobility solutions.
JMS organizers are particularly focused on creating a space where innovation can thrive. The event will feature curated sessions where industry leaders can meet with potential partners in a structured environment, ensuring that meaningful connections are made. Startups will have the chance to present their ideas to potential investors and partners, while larger companies will be able to explore new technologies and solutions from the startup community.
Reverse Pitching: Co-Creation for a New Mobility Society
One of the most anticipated aspects of JMS 2024 is the reverse pitching format. Traditionally, pitching sessions have involved startups presenting their ideas to established companies. However, reverse pitching flips the script. In this format, established companies share the real-world challenges they face and invite startups to propose creative solutions.
Chairman Katayama has emphasized that this is not a one-way street. Instead, both startups and established companies will work together in a co-creative process, addressing challenges related to sustainability, automation, and the integration of mobility into smart cities. The goal is to use this collaborative approach to accelerate the development of new technologies and business models that can transform the mobility landscape.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from JMS 2024
A Glimpse of the Future
As the 2024 Japan Mobility Show approaches, anticipation is building around what new innovations and collaborations will emerge from the event. With its focus on business co-creation and cross-industry collaboration, the JMS is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility. From the integration of smart city technologies to the development of autonomous vehicles, the partnerships formed at JMS 2024 could define the next decade of transportation.
With a wide range of participants, including startups, established companies, and tech innovators, JMS 2024 will offer a comprehensive look at the future of mobility. Whether you’re a business leader looking to forge new partnerships or a tech enthusiast eager to see the latest innovations, the Japan Mobility Show promises to be an unmissable event in the global mobility landscape.
