
There are only three of these adorable verdant vehicles out on the streets — flag one down if you get the chance!
Suumo is a Japanese real estate service, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing — after all, they’re often generating buzz for whacky publicity stunts or helpful surveys. They have many outlets across Japan, though, and they’re especially easy to notice: just look for the fluffy green marimo mascot!
▼ His name is also Suumo.
For an extremely limited period between February 14 and February 27 this year, Suumo is taking to the streets to spread awareness for his native company. Three taxi cars, bedecked in the company’s signature grassy green tones, will roam Tokyo’s 23 wards and offer anyone who hails it down the chance to drive anywhere in Tokyo for free!
▼ The three cars will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout Tokyo.
There’s a special bonus even among the very limited taxis, though. Out of those three cars, just one of them will come equipped with a heated kotatsu table! But calm down before you start getting excited about warming your knees for free, as the kotatsu is exclusively for Suumo’s use. You have the privilege of sitting across from him and watching him get toasty.
▼ Never mind, this is much better than actually using the kotatsu.
Zoom out from Suumo’s snuggly set-up and you’ll see that the taxi cab is decked out from seat to ceiling in the company’s favorite color, from fuzzy green seats reminiscent of moss to a tasteful green gingham check for the curtains. You’ll feel right at home!
How do you go about procuring this little slice of Suumo for yourself? There are two ways — with the first being simply seeing one of the cabs out in the town without a boarded passenger, and hailing it with the time-honored tradition of flailing your arms wildly at it. The other option is to dispatch one from the DiDi taxi app by registering and selecting “Suumo Taxi” from the list of dispatch vehicles.
▼ A taxi must be running within a 4-kilometer (2.48 mile) radius to be an option, so luck is still a factor.
There’s one more delightful aspect to this fun promotional stunt, namely that anyone who does get to ride one of the Suumo taxis can perform a little scavenger hunt for the duration of their trip (keeping their seatbelts securely fastened, of course). Each customer has the chance of winning a plush toy of Suumo if they find the hidden Suumo tucked away somewhere in the cab!
Do your best to flag down a Suumo taxi if you see one in the limited time period. Being free, they’re as cheap a ride as you can possibly take inside of Tokyo!
Source: Press Release, Didi Mobility Japan
Images: Press Release
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]







Free KFC taxis will be taking to the streets of Japan
Tokyo’s tea taxis will serve you a cold drink while giving you a lift this summer
See Tokyo’s holiday illuminations from the comfort of a taxi with the Tokyo Night Cruise
Tokyo’s new pre-fixed taxi fare smartphone service reduces the guess work of travelling by cab
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
This one delicious Japanese dessert has at least six different names
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Starbucks releases a Kyoto Matcha Latte in Japan for a limited time
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Figma creates realistic action figure of the inner human anatomy that’s fully posable
Save the Nakagin Capsule Tower Project is now aiming to preserve as many capsules as possible
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first written test
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Leave a Reply