Zippar
Zippar is a startup based in Fukushima, Japan, developing a cable-based urban transit system with the goal of competing in the emerging urban supergondola space. Founded in 2018 by Takamasa Suchi and Kyohei Yashima, the company aims to deploy a full-scale system as early as 2025.
The Zippar system is designed to navigate complex urban environments using self-propelled, battery-powered gondolas capable of carrying both passengers and freight. Each gondola, repurposed from a Japanese electric vehicle, can accommodate up to 12 people. The system operates on a combination of steel rails and cable infrastructure, which is intended to support more flexible routing while potentially reducing construction costs.
A video below provides a visual overview of the Zippar concept.
Zippar is actively advancing its funding and development efforts. The company recently completed a successful Series A investment round and is working to build relationships with local government entities. It was also featured as one of the emerging mobility technologies in a 2025 survey conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Road Bureau.
On the technical side, Zippar has demonstrated the ability to produce functional proof-of-concept systems. While early test platforms—such as the "2nd Prototype" shown at the end of the video above—may appear basic in design, they have shown operational capability and reflect steady progress in development. They’ve come a long way from their primitive “2nd Prototype” days. Another look behind the scenes can be found in the video below.
Is it a supergondola?
Zippar is in the process of developing an urban supergondola system, with several key components aligning with emerging definitions of this new transit category. Their development plan includes:
An elevated network
Autonomous electric vehicles
Cable (ropeway) infrastructure
Integrated track or rail segments to enable navigation between cable sections
Multiple station stop options across the network
One aspect that remains unclear is whether the system is being designed to support individualized or small-group, on-demand travel - similar to rideshare services. With a gondola capacity of up to 12 passengers, questions remain about how effectively such a vehicle could provide point-to-point service in dense urban environments. The adaptability and routing sophistication of the system will likely play a key role in determining how well it can serve this use case. How clever can their network get to move a 12 rider capacity gondola through tight city streets?
When will it happen?
Zippar has stated an intention to launch a working system by March 2025, though specific details confirming progress toward that timeline have not yet been made public. However, the company continues to advance its efforts and has gained notable attention within Japan’s mobility and infrastructure sectors.
While the timeline remains uncertain, Zippar is positioning itself as a potential provider of urban supergondola transportation systems in the future. The extent and timing of their deployment will depend on continued technical development, regulatory alignment, and successful pilot implementation.
We’re rooting for you Zippar.