Tesla’s pushing forward with self-driving technology in Japan. The company recently started testing its Full Self-Driving system in Kanagawa with employee-supervised vehicles on public roads. This marks the first time a foreign automaker has carried out self-driving trials in Japan.
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approved Tesla‘s plans. The ministry’s decision allows Tesla to activate Full Self-Driving through software updates without needing physical vehicle modifications. This approval is significant because it eliminates the requirement to repeat certification for each software update. Instead, Tesla can simply update the system remotely. The beta version under test is the same Full Self-Driving software currently available in the United States.
The testing covers local roads and highways using previously mapped data of Japanese infrastructure. Tesla’s human drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel during tests, as Japanese regulations require. The trials focus on modifying the technology to Japan’s dense urban traffic, narrow streets, and complex intersections. These conditions differ greatly from American roads where Tesla’s developed the system. Japanese media outlets have provided favorable assessments of FSD’s real-world performance in complex traffic scenarios, demonstrating its capability in decision-making and collision avoidance.
Tesla vehicles need compatible hardware to use Full Self-Driving, including a specialized computer and sensor suite. The system employs artificial intelligence to manage driving decisions while humans supervise. The software must be specifically calibrated for Japan’s unique road conditions and traffic patterns. Success in adapting the AI-powered system to Japan’s varied driving conditions will determine the viability of broader Asian expansion.
The Japanese government requires Tesla to demonstrate functional performance and reliability before any public release. Safety validation and explainability of the AI’s decision-making remain mandatory requirements for system activation. This careful approach secures the technology meets Japan’s specific safety standards. Updates are pushed every 30-60 days and drivers must install them promptly to maintain optimal safety performance.
The approval reflects Japan’s strategic shift toward supporting software-driven vehicle autonomy. It establishes a structure that could benefit all autonomous driving manufacturers, not just Tesla. Japan becomes one of the first major Asian markets to officially support this type of vehicle autonomy.
For Tesla, gaining approval in Japan provides a competitive advantage in the region’s electric vehicle market. Japanese media outlets have published positive preliminary assessments of Tesla’s FSD capabilities. Tesla Japan completed all necessary preparations before receiving regulatory approval. This milestone represents growing acceptance of AI-powered driving systems in the automotive industry.