Honda Opens Software Studio In Osaka, Prepares Smart Car Future

Honda Software Studio Osaka. (Photo: Honda)

JAKARTA - Honda continues to implement a strategy to improve the application of smart technology which is an important element in strengthening product competitiveness, especially in the electrification segment. One of the steps taken by this Japanese automotive giant is to open Osaka's Honda Software Studio, the latest software development center located in Grand Green Osaka, a multifunctional commercial area in Umeda, Osaka City, Japan In its official statement received, Tuesday, July 15, it was stated that Honda Software Studio Osaka will gather various development teams responsible for the important technology in realizing software-defined vehicles (SDV). The technology includes automated driving systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), various smart applications in the cabin (smart cabin apps), the development of System on Chip (SoC) as hardware to support the performance of applications efficiently, as well as vehicle operating systems (vehicle OS) that become SoC control platforms and such applications.

Previously, Honda had announced an investment plan of around 2 trillion Yen for research and software development over a period of 10 years to fiscal year 2031, late March 2031. In line with that, Honda continued to recruit software talents with high expertise, as well as focused on increasing employee engagement and development capabilities. As of June 2025, Honda Software Studio Osaka has about 100 workers, and Honda plans to expand that amount to around 500 workers. Thus, Osaka/Kansai regions will become the second largest Honda software development center in Japan, after the Tokyo or Kanto region.Honda Software Studio Osaka began operations in April 2025, as a development of the existing Honda software facility in Osaka. In addition, Honda also plans to open a new development center in Tokyo in early 2026. The development of this software is carried out in an integrated manner with Honda car development centers in Tochigi, Japan. Out of the current 100 employees, about 85 percent were recruited through midcareer lines, with diverse backgrounds, ranging from systems integrator companies, rail companies, to electronics companies. These employees bring new perspectives and contribute to accelerating the improvement in competitiveness of Honda products, through a combination of new expertise from various industries and deep knowledge of employees who started their careers in Honda.