Kochi City Launches Pilot Project for Tourism Services Utilizing WHILL Mobility
Key facts
- Kochi City Launches Pilot Project for Tourism Services Utilizing WHILL Mobility
- Factory Co., Ltd. and WHILL, Inc. will launch a pilot project on June 23, 2026, using 'WHILL' mobility devices in Kochi City, the top cruise port in Shikoku. The project aims to improve accessibility and promote universal tourism for diverse visitors, including seniors and inbound tourists.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 11, 2026
Direct answer
Factory Co., Ltd. and WHILL, Inc. will launch a pilot project on June 23, 2026, using 'WHILL' mobility devices in Kochi City, the top cruise port in Shikoku. The project aims to improve accessibility and promote universal tourism for diverse visitors, including seniors and inbound tourists.
- Citation
- Kochi City Launches Pilot Project for Tourism Services Utilizing WHILL Mobility (June 11, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 11, 2026
Factory Co., Ltd. and WHILL, Inc. will launch a pilot project on June 23, 2026, using 'WHILL' mobility devices in Kochi City, the top cruise port in Shikoku. The project aims to improve accessibility and promote universal tourism for diverse visitors, including seniors and inbound tourists.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 11:26 (26 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 04:54 (17h 28m after Collected)
## Pilot Project for Tourism Services Utilizing WHILL in Central Kochi City
Factory Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshimichi Ueda) and WHILL, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Satoshi Sugie) are launching a pilot project to enhance accessibility in central Kochi City, which boasts the highest number of cruise ship port calls in Shikoku. The project utilizes WHILL, a license-free, short-distance mobility device that operates in pedestrian areas.
In recent years, cruise ship calls in Kochi Prefecture have surged, exceeding 100 in fiscal 2025—the highest in Shikoku. However, issues regarding movement in the city center have arisen due to the aging and diversification of tourists. This service is designed to support comfortable sightseeing for those who have difficulty walking long distances.
Two models will be introduced: the 'WHILL Model C2,' featuring superior off-road capability, maneuverability, and stability, and the high-performance 'WHILL Model R.' The service is accessible to travelers of all nationalities via the multilingual 'WHILL Rental' app.
## Service Overview
- Launch Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Available Models: WHILL Model C2, WHILL Model R
- Rental Location: Harimayabashi Ensemble (1-9-10 Harimaya-cho, Kochi City)
- Rental Method: Unmanned rental via the 'WHILL Rental' app (in-person support available for those unable to use the app)
Factory Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshimichi Ueda) and WHILL, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Satoshi Sugie) are launching a pilot project to enhance accessibility in central Kochi City, which boasts the highest number of cruise ship port calls in Shikoku. The project utilizes WHILL, a license-free, short-distance mobility device that operates in pedestrian areas.
In recent years, cruise ship calls in Kochi Prefecture have surged, exceeding 100 in fiscal 2025—the highest in Shikoku. However, issues regarding movement in the city center have arisen due to the aging and diversification of tourists. This service is designed to support comfortable sightseeing for those who have difficulty walking long distances.
Two models will be introduced: the 'WHILL Model C2,' featuring superior off-road capability, maneuverability, and stability, and the high-performance 'WHILL Model R.' The service is accessible to travelers of all nationalities via the multilingual 'WHILL Rental' app.
## Service Overview
- Launch Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Available Models: WHILL Model C2, WHILL Model R
- Rental Location: Harimayabashi Ensemble (1-9-10 Harimaya-cho, Kochi City)
- Rental Method: Unmanned rental via the 'WHILL Rental' app (in-person support available for those unable to use the app)
FAQ
高知市でWHILLを活用した観光サービスはいつから始まりますか？
2026年6月23日（火）よりサービスが開始される予定です。
WHILLを活用した観光サービスの貸出場所はどこですか？
高知市はりまや町1-9-10にある「はりまや橋アンサンブル」にて貸し出されます。
どのようなモデルのWHILLが利用できますか？
チェア型フラッグシップモデルの「WHILL Model C2」と、歩道走行用の4輪スクーターモデル「WHILL Model R」が導入されます。
観光サービスの利用方法を教えてください。
原則として専用アプリ「WHILL Rental」を通じて貸出・返却を行います。アプリの使用が困難な場合には対面での対応も可能です。
本サービスの導入目的は何ですか？
高齢者やインバウンド観光客を含むすべての来訪者が、身体状況や国籍に関わらず市内の観光スポットを快適に回遊できる環境を整え、滞在満足度と地域経済の活性化を図ることを目的としています。