Toyota and Joby complete first air taxi flight in Japan

Because Japan is not the first and the only one anymore.

https://www.ventureradar.com/keyword/Air-Taxi

An odd story that claims the craft is "emission free" but doesn't state the fuel or power type of the engines.

demonstrating the potential to address various transportation challenges in Japan

There would have to be lots of them in the sky to have a significant impact, and for that their fares and other costs would have to be affordable for a significant portion of the population.

Just looks like a helicopter

@JeffLee

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers...

It appears to be electric.

the article clearly states that it is electric.

its a quieter hybrid helicopter and mini osprey.

range is only 100 statute miles, so maybe 30-50 minutes flight time. not far for an air taxi yet.

Wonder the noise level that had. I bet it was off the charts.

Nice Design, Beautiful photo of Fuji san, best of luck for the project.

An odd story that claims the craft is "emission free" but doesn't state the fuel or power type of the engines.

No engine. It's battery electric power.

The US Air Force has been flying these for a year or more.

But why though? Where is the demand? This is a complete and utter waste of funds. Large Japanese companies should be pouring their R&D resources into automation and AI, starting with the trucking sector. This is the only way to save Japan from a population collapse...

If you cannot design a GPS map that guide your taxi,it a pie in the sky

This looks like the Ospreys I see from home, but way smaller

What is the exact range? I think it would be a good investment if it can do a Tokyo - Osaka with 1 charge, other than that is just a gimmick, if the range is only 160km,as rumors are saying.

Are Joby going to make different sized air taxis? A small one would be fine but I wouldn't like to take a ride in a big Joby.

But why though? Where is the demand?

The demand is that aviation writ large has to find alternatives to fossil fuels and soon. This is one possible avenue. Hydrogen fuel may be another. Each has problems to work out but nothing happens if you don't take the first steps.