Part of Strengthening Universal Tourism in Town! License-Free Short-Distance Mobility 'WHILL' Service Introduced in Takiue Town, Hokkaido

WHILL Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Satoshi Sugie; hereinafter "WHILL") announces that the "WHILL Mobility Service," utilizing the license-free short-distance mobility device WHILL, which operates in pedestrian areas, will commence at Shibazakura Takinoue Park (Takiue Town, Hokkaido) from May 1, 2026. With the peak blooming season of Japan's largest cluster of moss phlox approaching, and a large number of diverse visitors expected, we propose an accessible viewing experience that can be comfortably enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, physical condition, or disability, in conjunction with the "Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival (hereinafter "Moss Phlox Festival"). Takiue Town boasts numerous tourist resources, including the moss phlox in spring, a "Herb Garden" with approximately 300 varieties of herbs, including Japan's top-producing Japanese mint, and the beautiful autumn foliage of the Takinoue Gorge "Kinsenkyo." To ensure that everyone can enjoy these attractions, the town is also committed to universal tourism, with the Okhotsk Universal Tourism Center Takiue established within the Takiue Town Tourism Association. The introduction of the WHILL Mobility Service at Shibazakura Takinoue Park is part of this effort. The adopted model is the "WHILL Model R," a high-performance scooter for sidewalks that allows on-the-spot turning and offers a similar operating feel to cars and bicycles. In addition to its safe and secure design, featuring a speed control function that can ascend and descend slopes of up to 10 degrees at a constant speed and a robust sense of stability, it also boasts a high design aesthetic that naturally blends into the scenery. WHILL will continue to collaborate with Takiue Town, aiming to make Takiue tourism even more enjoyable and further enhance the stay experience for those with concerns about physical strength or long-distance walking, those temporarily injured, the elderly, and families who previously pushed wheelchairs, through the utilization of WHILL in various situations, starting with its introduction at the Moss Phlox Festival. ■ Shibazakura Takinoue Park WHILL Mobility Service Overview Start Date May 1, 2026 (Friday) Provided Model High-performance sidewalk scooter "WHILL Model R" Rental Location Shibazakura Takinoue Park Tourist Information Center Reception Hours 10:00〜15:00 Usage Fee 500 yen per hour How to Use Please inform staff on the day you wish to use the service. *Advance reservations are not possible. Rentals may be suspended during rain, stormy weather, or congestion. Usage Conditions Weight under 147kg, feet can reach the footplate when seated, possesses necessary attention for operation, etc. Inquiries Takiue Town Office: 0158-29-2111 *Service details are subject to change without notice. Please check the following for the latest information as appropriate. Official Website: https://www.town.takinoue.hokkaido.jp About Takiue Town Tourism Association and Universal Tourism: https://takinoue.com/universal ■ About WHILL WHILL is a short-distance mobility device that can be driven in pedestrian areas without a license. Among them, Model R is a high-performance scooter type. Its handlebars make it comfortable for outdoor use, and it features on-the-spot turning and detachable battery. Product details: https://whill.inc/jp/model-r ■ About WHILL Mobility Service This is a corporate service that allows the introduction of safe and secure short-distance mobility devices inside and outside facilities. By packaging insurance/maintenance and a fleet management system, it reduces the burden on operators and establishes a flexible system that adapts to the environment of the introduction site. This allows the introducing corporation to manage devices safely and comfortably and operate stably, improving the customer's stay experience. Details: https://whill.inc/jp/mobility-service/how-it-works/onsite-fleet-service WHILL Inc. aims to be the global No. 1 in short-distance mobility with the mission of "making all people's movement fun and smart." Through service experiences that integrate hardware and software, WHILL is building a world where everyone can enjoy freedom and comfort in movement and going out, regardless of physical condition or age. Official HP: https://whill.inc/jp/