Willer

About Willer

Willer Inc. operates as a diversified mobility and travel services provider, originating from a vision to transform the experience of movement. The company's story begins in 1994 with the establishment of Nishinihon Tours by Shigetaka Murase, who serves as the CEO. Murase's inspiration stems from his university days organizing large-scale ski tours, where he recognized that the act of traveling fosters community and memorable experiences. This foundational philosophy shaped the company's trajectory, moving beyond simple transportation to create integrated travel solutions.

The holding company, now known as Willer Inc., was officially established in June 2005. A significant milestone occurred in July 2006 with the launch of the "WILLER EXPRESS" highway bus service, which rapidly expanded its network across Japan. This service distinguished itself by focusing on customer experience, introducing features like comfortable, self-developed seats and ensuring that female passengers are seated next to each other, which helped to change the traditional image of highway buses and attract a younger, female demographic. The business generates revenue through its comprehensive online travel portal, "WILLER TRAVEL," which facilitates bookings for a wide array of services. Clients include individual travelers, both domestic and international, as well as corporate partners who utilize their platform and marketing solutions.

Willer's business model encompasses several interconnected segments. The core is the operation of transportation networks, including the flagship WILLER EXPRESS highway buses and the Kyoto Tango Railway, operated by its subsidiary WILLER TRAINS. The company's digital platform serves as a central marketplace, offering not just their own bus and rail services, but also options from over 170 partner transportation operators, including ferries and airlines. This platform extends to travel packages that combine transportation with hotels and local tours. More recently, Willer has ventured into next-generation mobility, developing an AI-powered on-demand transport service called "mobi" and engaging in autonomous driving projects, with commercial operations in Singapore and pilot tests in Japan. The company is also expanding internationally, with a focus on the ASEAN region, establishing local subsidiaries and joint ventures to build out its transportation network in countries like Vietnam and Taiwan.