[Achievements Report] Solving Island Mobility Infrastructure Gaps! Accelerating Smart Island Initiatives in "Shodoshima," "Goto Islands," and More | Seeking Verification Partners Nationwide!

DAIZO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Representative Director: Nobuyuki Minami), with roots in shipbuilding, has developed and is selling the next-generation EV mobility brand 'e-NEO NEO-ONE.' At a recent 'Smart Island' related exhibition, DAIZO Co., Ltd. showcased solutions for the unique mobility challenges faced by remote islands. Furthermore, we will present a verification report on mobility infrastructure in remote island areas.

Next-Generation Mobility 'e-NEO NEO-ONE'

'e-NEO' Brand Site

DAIZO Co., Ltd. 'e-NEO' Brand Site: https://e-neodaizo.com/

A "Driving Design Product" Born from Shipbuilding Technology

e-NEO is a 3-seater electric mobility vehicle developed by DAIZO Co., Ltd., which draws upon its shipbuilding design philosophy and metal processing technology. By applying the "safety structure," "durability," and "precise design philosophy" cultivated at sea directly to land-based applications, it achieves a body structure that is both robust and lightweight. Combining a high-rigidity body structure with stable driving performance, it is gaining attention as a "driving design product" that makes urban mobility smarter and more stylish. The NEO-ONE features a three-wheel structure yet can be driven with a regular driver's license. It is suitable for a wide range of scenarios, from daily shopping and city cruising to business use.

It presents a "new form of mobility" that extends everyday life, such as commuting, shopping, cafe visits, and pick-ups. Positioned as a "just right, next-generation mobility" that is neither a car nor a motorcycle, it embodies the balance of urban mobility and design.

Its compact body navigates congested urban areas nimbly, proposing a new value of "choosing eco-friendly and personalized mobility" through its quiet and smart movement.

'e-NEO' Brand Site

Exhibition Report for Smart Island Promotion: Verification Based on Island "Realities"

"At a recent 'Smart Island' related exhibition, DAIZO Co., Ltd. showcased solutions for the unique mobility challenges of remote islands.

This exhibition went beyond simply introducing the vehicle; we explained to visitors how to maintain convenience for residents and tourists while minimizing maintenance costs (negative aspects) under the harsh conditions specific to islands, such as "salt damage, steep slopes, and narrow alleys."

Through discussions with many local government officials, we confirmed a high level of interest in resolving the following "negative aspects":

Limits of Infrastructure Maintenance: A low-cost supplementary means in areas where maintaining regular bus services is difficult.

Reduced Environmental Impact: The practicality of utilizing clean energy on remote islands with fragile gasoline supply networks.

Overcoming Introduction Hurdles: Mobility that utilizes existing road assets without requiring large-scale capital investment.

Leveraging these insights, we aim to translate the challenges identified at the exhibition from "theoretical discussions" into practical implementation in the real world.

Smart Island EXPO 2025: https://smartisland.mlit.go.jp/expo2025event/

Smart Island EXPO 2025 Event Overview

Date: October 9, Reiwa 7 (2025) (Thursday) 13:00 - 17:00

Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base

Content: ○Opening Talk

Yusuke Nawako, Director, Remote Island Promotion Division, National Land Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Atsuko Kujimoto, Representative Director, Remote Island Economy Newspaper Co., Ltd.

○Matching Session (Booths by Companies, etc.)

○Closing Talk

Attendees: Remote Island Municipalities 47 / Private Businesses 244 / Total 291

Booth Exhibitors: Private Businesses 32 / Municipalities 10

Key Regional Utilization and Verification Experiments

Kagawa Prefecture, Shodoshima: Resolving the "Dilemma" of Tourism and Daily Life

On Shodoshima, to address the conflicting issues of "traffic congestion" due to increased tourism and "securing transportation" for residents, the promotion of highly mobile vehicles is underway. Verification of e-NEO introduction has been conducted to promote environmental initiatives by local businesses.

Problem-Solving Perspective: Instead of "negating" and replacing existing public transportation, the aim is to minimize the financial burden on municipalities and maximize tourist stay times by filling the gaps in existing infrastructure.

Nagasaki Prefecture, Goto Islands: "Failure-Proof" Regional Implementation in Collaboration with Specialized Consultants

In a project where Yano Research Institute participated as a regional consultant, DAIZO's vehicles were adopted as the core means of transportation.

Problem-Solving Perspective: For regional revitalization measures that tend to focus on introduction as the goal, an evaluation based on a "cold, objective perspective" derived from market analysis was introduced. By identifying underutilized routes and deploying vehicles based on actual demand, the risk of "post-introduction dormancy," which local governments fear most, is avoided.

Call for Municipalities Interested in Verification for Remote Islands and Local Governments Begins

DAIZO Co., Ltd. is launching a call for municipalities to participate in joint verification efforts to expand the "sustainable mobility infrastructure model" gained from the verification in Shodoshima and the Goto Islands, not only to remote islands but also to local governments nationwide.

This initiative is not merely about introducing vehicles but is a verification-based project aimed at "minimizing transportation costs, environmental impact, and operational burden while leveraging existing infrastructure." It is premised on optimal operational design tailored to each region's transportation challenges, population structure, and tourism dynamics, with a focus on building a system that functions continuously, not just an "introduction and done" approach.

In particular, municipalities facing challenges such as:

・Regions where maintaining public transportation is becoming difficult ・Regions struggling to balance tourism demand and resident life ・Regions aiming to promote decarbonization and reduce environmental impact

are expected to find high compatibility with this initiative.

The verification content and introduction schemes will be flexibly designed according to the circumstances of each municipality. Local government officials who are interested are encouraged to contact us freely.

【For Media and Press】

Inquiries and Applications for Interviews/Features

【e-NEO】PR Office (Crestep LLC): neo.pr01@gmail.com

Reception Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

Media Interview and Test Drive Information

※Advance reservation required (Individual test drives and interviews available)

Individual interviews, filming, and test drive experiences are available at the "e-NEO" showroom in Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

Test Drive Venue: Tokyo Shibuya "e-NEO" Shibuya Garage (1-8-15 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Test Drive Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00 - 17:30 (Reservation required 3 days in advance)

How to Apply: Please contact us via email (neo.pr01@gmail.com).

Experience the quiet yet powerful ride against the backdrop of the city.

About DAIZO Co., Ltd.

DAIZO Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive manufacturing company with roots in the shipbuilding industry, dedicated to redefining the future of mobility while inheriting Japanese craftsmanship. Through the e-NEO brand, we aim to deliver trust and quality to the world as next-generation EVs supporting urban lifestyles. Leveraging its design technology and safety philosophy, it develops the next-generation mobility "e-NEO" brand. Under the banner of "Creating New Mobility Culture from Japan," we aim to promote electric mobility that complements urban living.

Company Name: DAIZO Co., Ltd.

Location: 3-1-201 Fukusaki, Minato Ward, Osaka City

Established: April 25, 1936

Capital: 100 million yen

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of aerosol products / Manufacturing and sales of special lubricants / Manufacturing and sales of bicycle parking facilities / Ship repair and construction, and steel structure fabrication.

'e-NEO' Brand Site: https://e-neodaizo.com/

Official Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eNEOdaizo

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eneo.japan/

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/eNEO_japan

Official Website: https://www.daizo.co.jp/