Toyota, Japan: On July 21, 2026, the Japanese government approved its “Japan Growth Strategy” during a Cabinet meeting. Under this strategy, eVTOLs have been included as a key technology within the “17 Strategic Fields (Aviation and Space),” marking the sector for focused national investment and support.
The “Japan Growth Strategy” outlines the government’s policy for intensive, public-private investment and support in crucial sectors designed to drive Japan’s economic growth and bolster its global competitiveness. The economic and strategic importance of eVTOLs has been reaffirmed as a foundational industry that will support next-generation mobility and help solve pressing social issues.
In light of this Cabinet decision, SkyDrive will further strengthen its collaboration with relevant government ministries, agencies, and partner companies. The company will accelerate its technological development and business initiatives toward the practical application and widespread adoption of eVTOL aircraft.
Government Policy Guidelines
Under the government’s “Japan Growth Strategy,” eVTOLs are positioned as a core technology within the “17 Strategic Fields (Aviation and Space),” a vital area for national investment. The government aims to bolster Japan’s international competitiveness by supporting the establishment of viable business models, technological development, and infrastructure readiness.
Background and Significance: The global market for eVTOLs—encompassing both aircraft and services—is projected to reach approximately 200 trillion yen by 2040. The sector is deemed critical not only for the advancement of the aerospace industry, which is vital to national security, but also for securing an autonomous domestic manufacturing and technology base.
Objectives and Direction: Capitalising on the unique strengths of Japanese manufacturing—namely, compact and lightweight design—the strategy aims to differentiate Japanese aircraft from Western models, focusing primarily on short-distance routes for urban transit and tourism.
Key Policy Measures
Business Model Validation and Regulatory Frameworks: Validating flight and vertiport operations and establishing the institutional frameworks necessary for commercial rollout.
R&D and Infrastructure Investment Support: Developing core technologies, such as automated/autonomous flight and extended range capabilities, alongside investment support for demonstration facilities, production equipment, and suppliers.
Certification and International Standardisation: Accumulating certification expertise and driving the international standardisation of certification criteria.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO, commented, “We are deeply encouraged by the government’s decision to designate eVTOLs as a core technology within the 17 Strategic Fields of the ‘Japan Growth Strategy’. With the global market projected to reach approximately 200 trillion yen by 2040, this strategy reaffirms the importance of establishing unique business models that leverage the compact, lightweight nature of our aircraft to lead the world in commercial rollout. The inclusion of clear national strategies—such as securing an autonomous technological base and driving the international standardisation of certification—provides a massive tailwind for SkyDrive as we develop our multi-rotor aircraft and work to pioneer this new industry.”
“SkyDrive has consistently pushed boundaries as a mobility company born in Japan. Moving forward, we will deepen our public-private partnerships with the government and our corporate partners. Together, we will advance core technologies like automated and autonomous flight and range extension, build a domestic supply chain, accumulate certification expertise, and pursue global standardisation. By reliably capturing the demand for short-distance routes at home and abroad, we aim to solve pressing social issues while helping to build a new foundational industry for Japan,” he added.
