1:16Tesla Japan still aims to launch FSD this year, but admits the deadline is tough
Tesla Japan's president says the company is making every effort to launch FSD (Supervised) before the end of 2026. Approval depends on regulators, and a Cybercab service is a separate question.
Tesla Japan is sticking to its goal of launching Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Japan before the end of 2026. In an interview with Nikkei, Tesla Japan president Richi Hashimoto said the company is making every effort to launch this year, while admitting that the deadline will be hard to meet.
Why it is hard
The timing depends on two things: further software development and regulatory approval. The second is not in Tesla's hands. With roughly two months left in the year, the window is narrowing.
What Tesla has done so far
- Testing: Tesla has been testing on Japanese public roads since August 2025.
- Demos: it has shown FSD driving on Tokyo streets, including busy Shinjuku.
- Cybercab tour: in September, Tesla displayed the Cybercab in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
The Cybercab is a different story
FSD (Supervised) is a driver-assistance system in which the driver stays responsible. A driverless Cybercab service would need a separate Level 4 authorization from Japan's transport ministry, plus a permit from the relevant regional public safety commission. Hashimoto said no decision has been made on launching the Cybercab in Japan, though Tesla would be interested if the opportunity arose.
Why Japan matters
Japan is a large car market where Tesla is still small. A working FSD offer could be a strong selling point, especially in dense cities where driver-assistance is valued. It would also add to the growing list of countries, from Europe to Australia, where Tesla has won approval for FSD (Supervised) over the past year.
What to watch
Any statement from Japan's transport ministry before the end of the year. If approval comes, Tesla typically rolls FSD out via an over-the-air update within weeks.
