Tesla is still aiming to launch Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) in Japan before the end of 2026, although the company acknowledges that the timing isn’t entirely in its hands.
Tesla Japan president Richi Hashimoto reaffirmed the target in an interview with Nikkei, saying the automaker is making every effort to achieve a launch this year. However, Hashimoto acknowledged that meeting the deadline will be difficult because it is not something Tesla can achieve on its own.
As we reported in March, Tesla has been working toward a late-2026 introduction of FSD in Japan, with public-road testing underway since August 2025. The company has also demonstrated the technology on Tokyo streets, including in the busy Shinjuku district.
Japan is one of several international markets where Tesla is working to secure regulatory approval for FSD.
Despite the challenges, Hashimoto says Tesla is doing everything possible to reach its target. The company has maintained that the timing of a Japanese release depends on both continued software development and regulatory approval.
Tesla doesn’t publish registration figures for Japan. The Japan Automobile Importers Association’s “Others” category, which includes Tesla along with other brands not listed separately, totalled 20,216 registrations from January to September 2026, up from 8,066 in the same period last year. As we reported last week, Tesla has been gaining ground among imported vehicles in Japan.
Tesla’s ambitions in Japan also extend beyond FSD in customer-owned vehicles.
In September, Tesla brought its Cybercab to Japan, showcasing the purpose-built autonomous vehicle in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Hashimoto said at the time that a Japanese launch had not been decided, but the company was interested in bringing Cybercab to the country if the opportunity arose.
However, getting FSD approved remains the immediate priority. Operating a driverless Cybercab would require additional Level 4 authorization from Japan’s transport ministry, along with a permit from the relevant public safety commission.
With just over two months remaining in 2026, Tesla faces a narrowing window to meet its target. Even if approval arrives before year-end, the timeline for a commercial Cybercab service in Japan remains uncertain.
Related Articles:
- Tesla targets FSD launch in Japan by late 2026 as ride-alongs begin
- Tesla Reveals Where FSD Is Still Awaiting Regulatory Approval Around the World
- Tesla Bringing Cybercab and FSD Test Drives to Paris Motor Show
- Tesla renames FSD ‘Tesla Assisted Driving’ in Europe
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