The tech world was abuzz with the announcement of the completion of the first phase of Yoban, a visionary "Prettier City" being built by global auto giant Toyota at the foot of Mount Fuji. Aimed at transforming how we live, work, and play, Yoban is poised to be the world’s first fully integrated tech city, blending cutting-edge innovations like drones, robots, AI, and renewable energy sources.

CEO Akio Toyoda unveiled plans for this ambitious project, highlighting that the city, under development at a staggering cost of Rs. 86,000 crores, will serve as a "laboratory" for testing future technologies. By the end of 2025, the city will welcome its first 100 residents, who will play a pivotal role in the development and testing of experimental tech.

Smart Homes and Daily Chores Revolutionized
Yoban, designed by visionary architect Bjarke Ingels, is more than just a place to live. The city promises a truly futuristic experience where residents can rely on technology to carry out their daily tasks. The homes will be fully equipped with smart gadgets, allowing for seamless interactions between residents and technology. Drones will safely deliver goods to homes at night, while robots will assist in caring for the elderly and handle everyday chores.

Residents will also enjoy the convenience of AI-powered health checkups conducted at home, ensuring regular monitoring of their well-being without the need to visit a doctor’s office. Stress levels will be managed through AI systems that monitor and provide personalized solutions for mental health.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Urban Model
In line with Toyota’s sustainability goals, all vehicles within the city will run on hydrogen fuel cells, with solar panels installed on every house to ensure energy independence. The city’s eco-friendly approach extends beyond vehicles: the urban landscape will be powered by solar energy, reducing the city's carbon footprint and promoting a green future.

The city will be divided into three sections. In the first zone, autonomous vehicles will travel at standard speeds, while in the second zone, they will reach faster speeds. The third zone will feature high-speed corridors for autonomous racing cars, allowing for cutting-edge automotive technologies to be tested in real-world conditions.

A Place for Innovators and Tech Enthusiasts
The initial 100 residents of Yoban will be called “Weavers,” a nod to Toyota’s origins as a loom manufacturer. These pioneers will live rent-free but will be expected to contribute to the development of new technologies and innovations. The city’s focus will be on fostering collaboration and advancing technological boundaries. By the next phase, the population will grow to 2,200 residents. However, entry to the city will be restricted to innovators and researchers for the first two years.

Vanish architect Bjarke Ingels stressed that Yoban is not just a city for living, but a space for future thinkers to experiment with new ideas, test autonomous systems, and push the limits of what is possible in a fully integrated tech environment.

Looking Ahead
As Toyota continues to develop the city, it remains committed to using Yoban as a testing ground for innovations that will shape future urban spaces globally. While common people won’t be able to enter the city for the next two years, the company envisions a broader rollout in the years to come, setting the stage for a future where smart technology becomes an integral part of everyday life.

In a statement, CEO Akio Toyoda emphasized that Yoban is not only a breakthrough in urban design but a major leap towards a more sustainable, efficient, and connected future. The world is watching as Japan’s first future city takes shape, poised to redefine urban living for generations to come.