Fall 2023. The pandemic had finally eased its burden. Japan had reopened its borders to foreign visitors, and the Japan Mobility Show was held for the very first time, taking over the previous Tokyo Motor Show. Japan’s biggest, biennial car show is back again to host its second edition this year. With lots of excitement surrounding Toyota’s potential sports cars and high expectations for Nissan’s future, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2025, and what you can expect to see at each manufacturer’s booth.
2023 Recap: Honda showcased the Prelude concept for the first time at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, and the Prelude is now available in Japanese dealerships, with a global rollout starting in late 2025. Honda also released a Prologue SUV Prototype and a Sustaina-C concept, reminiscent of the now defunct Honda E.
The Honda 0 Saloon and SUV prototypes have officially been confirmed by Honda to be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show. The Honda 0 Saloon represents the flagship vision of Honda’s new global EV line, embodying the company’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” design philosophy, showcasing a sporty and futuristic look, with geometrical lines and a retro style that sets it apart from traditional EV sedans. The concept promises excellent visibility, a sporty driving position, and an experience that truly connects the driver with the vehicle. According to Honda, we can expect a production vehicle based on the Saloon concept in 2026.
The Honda 0 SUV takes the futuristic styling cues of the Saloon and adapts them into a more familiar, crossover-friendly package. With a taller stance, roomier interior, and everyday practicality, it’s clearly designed to be the workhorse of Honda’s new EV lineup. Slated to hit the market in 2026 as one of the first 0 Series production models, the SUV is expected to play a key role in getting Honda’s electric push off the ground. By blending advanced tech and efficiency with the comfort and versatility people already expect from an SUV, it positions itself as the approachable entry point into Honda’s next chapter of electrification.
Honda announced on September 30th a world premiere of a compact EV prototype at the Japan Mobility Show. Developed in pursuit of Honda’s motto “Fun To Drive,” the small vehicle is expected to be playful and exciting to drive, all while responding to the needs of everyday life. This model has already undergone road testing in Japan, the UK, and Asian countries. According to Honda, this new EV is expected to fulfill the high demand for compact EVs. This seems to be Honda’s second attempt at delivering a compact EV, after the great-but-too-expensive Honda E that went out of production in 2024. The Japanese marque had released the Sustaina C concept during the 2023 Japan Mobility Show; could this upcoming compact EV be related?
2023 Recap: At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Nissan put together the most visually impressive booth out of all Japanese manufacturers. In their four season-themed, Team Lab-inspired gigantic stage, Nissan had presented five ultra-futuristic vehicles, including a much awaited GT-R-inspired concept car, named the “Hyper Force.” Lots can happen in two years and Nissan is currently in a much different place than it was back in 2023. With a dire financial situation to deal with, Nissan is now at a turning point, and the whole automotive world is awaiting for their next move.
The 2023 Mobility Show was all about showcasing futuristic creations that inspired an exciting future. But for 2025, Nissan is leaving eccentricity out the door to focus on more concrete vehicles and concepts that will have the potential to upturn Nissan’s situation. Nissan has officially announced an all-new Nissan Elgrand for the Japanese market and a refreshed Nissan Ariya EV crossover.
Nissan will also be showcasing the all-new third-generation Leaf, a much awaited car that will hopefully be able to bring Nissan back to the forefront of electrification.
So far, there has not been any announcements regarding a future GT-R and understandably, Nissan will want to focus on cost-effective, mass-market models first, in order to reach their Re:Nissan goals of cost reduction and profitability for 2026.
Nissan has also teased something else for enthusiasts: a rare Skyline sedan. Nissan’s headline act for enthusiasts is the 400R Limited. Details are still sealed, but production is capped at 400 units.
2023 Recap: Toyota had surprised everyone with the presentation of their bright orange, electric FT-SE concept car, with automotive enthusiasts at the edge of their seat for a possible revival of the MR2 sports car. Out of all Japanese manufacturers, Toyota has been the most secretive about their plans for the 2025 Japan Mobility Show so far.
Ever since Toyota presented its bright orange FT-Se concept car back in 2023, there have been high expectations surrounding the potential revival of the marque’s MR-2 sports car, though never confirmed by Toyota. While there are no official announcements for the FT-Se or MR-2, anticipation is building for Toyota’s upcoming moves. Japanese automotive media outlets have been speculating several revivals, including rumors about resuscitating the old Toyota S-FR Concept and more rumors surrounding a possible Toyota Starlet revival.
The S-FR concept was originally released during the 45th edition of the Tokyo Motor Show in 2015 and the small concept was imagined as a lightweight sports car, featuring a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout, with a 1.5-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-4 engine producing approximately 130 hp and a weight of around 2,200 lbs. Similarly, the Starlet models were powered by modest inline-four engines ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters and weighing under a ton, with a later GT Turbo version packing a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering around 135 horsepower. Production wrapped up in 1999 as the Yaris took its place, but nostalgia for the Starlet has stayed strong. It is also worth noting that the Toyota-owned Daihatsu brand had also released a small “Vision Copen” concept during the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, somewhat similar in design to the S-FR concept.
While rumors from Japanese media have picked up in intensity, it is worth reiterating that nothing has ever been confirmed by Toyota. However, taking into consideration that there has been a lot of noise surrounding the Starlet and the MR-2, many have started seeing a certain pattern within Toyota’s concepts, and a new Toyota sports car wouldn’t be completely unrealistic.
BYD has announced that it will exhibit a total of eight cars at the Japan Mobility Show, including one world premiere and three Japan premieres. Chinese EV manufacturer BYD has been known for its aggressive stance in order to penetrate markets, including here in Japan. BYD is expected to showcase its currently existing models such as the Dolphin, Seal and Sealion 7, and will introduce three other existing models to Japanese customers. The cherry on top for BYD’s booth will be a world premiere vehicle to be revealed here in Tokyo.
Mercedes-Benz has announced it will be showcasing its AMG GT XX Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which will be the concept car’s first appearance in Asia. Unveiled earlier in 2025, the Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept showcases the brand’s next generation of high-performance electric cars, to prove that AMG’s electric future can be just as extreme and track-ready as its petrol-powered past. The concept is said to be producing over 1,300 hp and using advanced 800-volt battery tech for ultra-fast charging. Its sleek, aerodynamic body, complete with active aero elements, helps it reach speeds beyond 224 mph.
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