Short-Distance Mobility Service "WHILL" Launched at Asahikawa Tourism and Product Information Center and Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-Free Tour Center

General Incorporated Association Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association (Location: Asahikawa City, Hokkaido; Chairman: Hirohisa Yamashita; hereinafter "Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association") and Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-Free Tour Center (Location: Asahikawa City, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Masayuki Igarashi; hereinafter "Kamui Daisetsu BFTC"), operated by Specified Nonprofit Corporation Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-Free Research Institute, in collaboration with WHILL Inc. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Satoshi Sugie; hereinafter "WHILL Inc."), are pleased to announce the launch of a mobility service using the short-distance mobility device "WHILL" (pronounced "Will"), which can operate in pedestrian areas without a license, at the Asahikawa Tourism and Product Information Center (operated by Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association) directly connected to JR Asahikawa Station. The aim is to further promote the "Universal MaaS" (Note 1) initiative, which has been nationally advanced in the Asahikawa Daisetsu area since fiscal year 2023, by creating a system where everyone can comfortably and safely enjoy the city's scattered attractions, without worrying about physical strength or mobility anxieties.

Many people hesitate to travel due to mobility concerns, and if these inconveniences are resolved, the potential scale of the national universal tourism market is estimated to be approximately 42 million people (as of 2023), about 1.4 times larger than the actual market size. Both market sizes are projected to continue expanding until 2035 due to the aging population (Note 2). Against this backdrop, Asahikawa City has been promoting Universal MaaS since 2023 as a leading local government in universal tourism nationwide. They have developed an accessibility environment throughout Asahikawa City, including being the first in the nation to simultaneously offer two services: "Batch Support Arrangement," which allows online requests for mobility assistance in advance, and "Universal Map/Navigation," which provides real-time barrier-free information for walking sections.

The introduction of WHILL this time also aims to develop and expand actual means of transportation after arriving at the destination. By deploying WHILL at the Asahikawa Tourism and Product Information Center, directly connected to JR Asahikawa Station, and the Kamui Daisetsu BFTC near the airport, they propose a seamless mobility experience from the moment of arrival in Asahikawa to exploration at the destination. The adopted models are the "WHILL Model F," which folds compactly for easy storage in a car or carrying, and the "WHILL Model R," a 4-wheel scooter that operates on sidewalks with handlebar steering. Anyone can easily operate them, and they travel at the same pace as walking, allowing users and their families or companions to easily visit attractions somewhat distant from the city center on foot. They can also be loaded into rental cars or taxis, enabling users to enjoy exploration with WHILL even when traveling to remote areas.

Through this collaboration, the Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association, Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-Free Research Institute, and WHILL Inc. will continue to promote the development and enhancement of an accessible environment so that everyone can fully enjoy the charms of the Asahikawa Daisetsu area.

◼️WHILL Mobility Service in Asahikawa City - Overview

Service Start Date May 21, 2026 (Thursday)

Rental Locations ① Asahikawa Tourism and Product Information Center (in front of JR Asahikawa Station East Exit) ② Kamui Daisetsu BFTC

Models Available ① High-performance sidewalk scooter "WHILL Model R" ② Foldable mobility device "WHILL Model F"

Fees ① 1,000 JPY per hour (tax included) *Extension possible ② 4,000 JPY per day (tax included)

How to Use Advance reservations can be made by phone, FAX, or online. Rental locations and models can be flexibly accommodated according to your request. Same-day rentals are also accepted if available.

① TEL: 0166-26-6665, FAX: 0166-22-6704, WEB: https://x.gd/o6PJW ② TEL: 0166-38-8200, FAX: 0166-38-8211, WEB: https://npo.kamui-daisetsu.org/rental/

Reception Hours ① 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM ② 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Terms of Use Weight limit applies (Model R: 147kg or less, Model F: 115kg or less), feet must reach the footplate when seated, operator must possess necessary attentiveness for operation, etc.

For more details, please refer to the official website of the Asahikawa Tourism Convention Association (https://x.gd/o6PJW) and Kamui Daisetsu BFTC (https://npo.kamui-daisetsu.org/rental/).

Note 1: Asahikawa City "Universal MaaS Initiatives" https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kankou/2704/d077826.html, https://www.universal-maas.org Note 2: Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) "Seniors as Travelers"