Automobiles
Operators like Waymo plan to bring robotaxis to Japan’s streets in near future
Waymo plans to begin commercial operation of driverless robotaxis in Tokyo in 2027. (Photo by Yuji Murakami)
SAHO NAKAGAWA
October 9, 2026 23:14 JST
TOKYO — The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department will form a specialist unit in April 2027 to manage the growing presence of autonomous vehicles. The new team will streamline the process for issuing permits to self‑driving car operators and develop protocols for investigating accidents involving robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.