The 2025 Japan Mobility Show is Just Around the Corner
The Japan Mobility Show, once known as the Tokyo Motor Show, has long been the stage for Japan’s most important automotive debuts. The biennial event has seen the unveiling of important cars and icons. In recent times, Honda previewed the return of the Prelude with a sleek concept coupe in 2023, while Nissan surprised the industry with the Hyperforce Concept, widely seen as the strongest candidate to succeed the now-defunct R35 GT-R.
The 2025 edition is set to be another high-profile showcase. Lexus, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in Japan this year, will also take part. According to an interview with Lexus president Tsuyoshi Watanabe cited by the Asahi Shimbun and reported by Creative Trend, the company will make a “major announcement” at this October’s show.
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What Could Lexus Possibly Announce at the Show
No details have been confirmed, but speculation has centered on the possibility of a next-generation electric vehicle. Lexus previewed its future design language at Monterey Car Week with the Sports Concept, and the Japan Mobility Show could provide a platform for a production-ready version or another development of that idea.
However, we also need to point out that the timing coincides with several key transitions in the lineup. The IS series has already been discontinued, suggesting a potential successor. The LC coupe is effectively in its final run, following the Pinnacle edition.
There are also persistent rumors about the LFR, a high-performance model that would serve as a spiritual successor to the LFA. Another likely candidate is the next-generation ES, which is scheduled for a Japanese market launch in 2026 and may make its debut at the show.
A Milestone for Lexus in Japan
Moreover, Lexus’s anniversary also provides clues since it has previously marked milestones with limited special editions, such as the F SPORT X Line series released for its 10th anniversary and the Structural Blue LC500 commemorating sales achievements. A 20th anniversary edition vehicle would fit this pattern, especially since no commemorative model was offered for the 15th anniversary or for reaching one million cumulative sales in Japan.
Meanwhile, Lexus continues to face challenges in its existing lineup in Japan. According to reports, shipping delays for the LC500 Convertible have exceeded seven months. The company’s current emphasis on SUVs has drawn attention for reducing variety in the lineup, so a shift back toward sedans or coupes could be strategically important.
Whatever form the “major announcement” takes, it is expected to frame Lexus’ strategy for the next decade and reinforce its position against European and American rivals. And as always, we’ll be there to witness this first-hand.
