First-of-its-Kind on Japanese Expressways: Free Sharing Service of Smart Doghouse 'WanPod' Begins at EXPASA Ashigara (Downhill) on E1 Tōmei Expressway

Asahi Kasei Homes Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Yuji Owaku; hereinafter 'Asahi Kasei Homes') and Chubu Nippon Expressway Company, Ashigara Branch (Oyama Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture; Branch Manager: Tsuyoshi Aizawa; hereinafter 'Chubu Nippon Expressway') will begin a social contribution pilot program on Wednesday, July 1, offering free use of the smart doghouse 'WanPod (WanPod)' at EXPASA (Expassa) Ashigara (downhill) on the E1 Tōmei Expressway (Tōmei).

This initiative aims to verify the effectiveness of a new social value model combining 'environment × disaster resilience × pet support,' leveraging Asahi Kasei Homes' environmental initiatives and WanPod project, along with Chubu Nippon Expressway's public service and disaster preparedness functions at service areas (SAs), based on real-world usage data.

*Survey date: June 2026

Key Features of the Initiative

・Japan's First Self-Service Pet Hotel on Expressways

The air-conditioned WanPod sharing service reduces risks associated with leaving dogs unattended in vehicles or tied up outside, while also eliminating restrictions for dog owners traveling with pets. The pilot on the expressway will collect data on usage and operations.

・Social Significance of Free Access

During the pilot, costs for users will be fully covered through J-Credits generated by Asahi Kasei Homes' environmental initiatives, enabling free access. The goal is to promote environmental awareness by offering a trustworthy and accessible service.

・Connecting Daily Life with Disaster Preparedness

Widespread adoption of WanPod encourages crate training, facilitating smoother evacuation with pets during disasters and contributing to a 'phase-free' society. This aligns closely with EXPASA Ashigara (downhill)'s role as a designated disaster response hub.

・Raising Disaster Awareness Among Non-Pet Owners

Through this pilot, the disaster response function of EXPASA Ashigara (downhill) as a wide-area evacuation center will be made visible, helping to raise disaster preparedness awareness among all visitors, regardless of pet ownership.

Pilot Program Overview: Free WanPod Sharing Service

WanPod (official website: https://wanpod.jp/) is an air-conditioned smart doghouse that allows users to unlock doors and connect to monitoring cameras via a dedicated app. It is designed for installation in commercial facilities to prevent accidents and issues arising from leaving dogs tied up or unattended in cars.

・Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) to June 30, 2027 (Wed) (planned)

・Location: East entrance of EXPASA Ashigara (downhill), E1 Tōmei Expressway (Oyama Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture)

・Usage Fee: Free (maximum usage time: 60 minutes)

・Operating Hours: 09:00–20:00 (subject to future revisions)

・Usage Method: Key management, monitoring camera access, and climate control via dedicated app

・Objective: Collect data on WanPod usage patterns, safety, and behavioral changes related to evacuation with pets

*The program may be suspended or modified without prior notice.

*Image is for illustrative purposes only

*The program may be suspended or modified without prior notice.

Background and Objectives

EXPASA Ashigara (downhill) has been designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a 'Disaster Response Hub Parking Area'※1, serving as a critical facility for wide-area evacuation, rescue operations, and logistics during disasters. Chubu Nippon Expressway has long worked to enhance regional disaster resilience and user safety through its SA operations.※2

Asahi Kasei Homes promotes initiatives to create and return environmental value (J-Credits) derived from its decarbonized rental housing project 'Eco Regrid' to society※3, and advances efforts to build a society where people and pets can live together safely and comfortably.※4

By collaborating, the public service and disaster resilience functions of Chubu Nippon Expressway's SAs are combined with Asahi Kasei Homes' initiatives to expand environmental value and promote pet-inclusive communities. This enables the verification of a unique social value model—'environment × disaster resilience × pet support'—that would be difficult to achieve independently, using real-world pilot data.

※1. MLIT Press Release

: https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/content/001472140.pdf

※2. Chubu Nippon Expressway Related Release

: https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/corporate/pressroom/news_old/?id=906

※3. Asahi Kasei Homes Related Letter

: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/j-koho/press/20240129/index/

※4. Asahi Kasei Homes Related Letter

: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/j-koho/press/20260427/index/

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