Japan is positioning itself for a dominant role in the global autonomous vehicle sector, with the government setting an ambitious target to capture 25% of worldwide self-driving vehicle sales by the 2030s.
The draft road map, released Thursday, outlines a coordinated public-private investment strategy designed to advance Japan's competitiveness in autonomous driving technologies. The proposal was presented during a subcommittee meeting of the Council for Japan's Growth Strategy, which is chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The investment framework builds on groundwork laid at the council's previous session in March, when authorities designated 61 goods and technologies for priority investment by both the public and private sectors. A preliminary investment road map covering 27 of these items was already presented at that time.
Thursday's deliberations focused on the remaining 34 goods and technologies, with officials working to translate strategic priorities into concrete support programs and measurable goals.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki, who chairs the relevant subcommittee, directed senior officials from all involved ministries and agencies to develop policies that are both effective and necessary, emphasizing urgency in the implementation timeline.
The initiative reflects growing regional competition in autonomous mobility, as nations across Asia position themselves to lead in next-generation transportation technology.