Didi Mobility Japan, a joint venture (JV) between China's Didi Chuxing and SoftBank, is to expand its taxi-hailing service to 13 cities across Japan.

According to Reuters, its app was first launched in Osaka last September, because it's a popular destination for Chinese tourists, and has linked with 40 taxi firms in an increasingly crowded market for such apps that includes rivals backed by Sony and Toyota Motor.

Didi Mobility expanded into Tokyo and Kyoto from today (24 April) and a further 10 locations will follow this financial year, the report said.

Reuters noted that, despite SoftBank's considerable presence in the global ride-hailing industry, such services are effectively banned in Japan, limiting SoftBank portfolio companies like Didi and Uber to offering services that match taxis with customers.

Users will be able to access the taxi-hailing service through Yahoo Japan's route-finding app and pay via PayPay, an app that uses tech from Indias Paytm, Reuters added. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.