05:18 AM EST, 12/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Alphabet's (GOOG) Waymo disclosed on Monday its expansion into Japan in partnership with Nihon Kotsu and GO, marking the first international destination for its autonomous vehicles.

Waymo, which began as Google's ( GOOG ) self-driving car project, said the first all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs will arrive in Tokyo in early 2025. Kotsu, a taxi firm, will oversee the management and servicing of the vehicles.

Initially, Waymo vehicles will be manually operated by Nihon Kotsu drivers to map out key areas of Japanese capital

The planned expansion into one of the world's most densely populated urban environments "aligns with the country's vision for the future of transportation," Waymo said. The Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments have aimed to address evolving transportation needs and foster the adoption of innovative technologies that can enhance mobility, according to Waymo.