Bridgestone begins first commercial deployment of 'AirFree' tires in Japan

Tokyo – Bridgestone has begun the first commercial deployment in Japan of its airless 'AirFree' tire technology, with the products entering regular service on an autonomous community shuttle in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture.

From 8 July, the tires will equip the city's "Okueigenji Keiryu car green slow mobility service", marking the transition from demonstration trials to regular public transport operations.

In a 7 July statement, Bridgestone said it had previously conducted time-limited pilot projects with municipalities across Japan, but the Higashiomi deployment represents the first "social implementation" of AirFree in a continuously operated mobility service.

The autonomous shuttle serves the mountainous Okueigenji region, where according to Bridgestone an ageing population and shortages of transport operators have made access to local mobility an increasing challenge.

AirFree tires, Bridgestone said, require no air pressure management and cannot puncture, helping to "keep vehicles operating", improve maintenance efficiency and support sustainability.

The deployment followed collaboration with Higashiomi that began with a partnership agreement signed in January 2025.

"After repeated demonstration trials with other municipalities, the next-generation AirFree tire has now taken a major step forward through its first social implementation in Japan," said Bridgestone executive officer Toshiyuki Hasunuma.