# Autonomous mobility testing in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/autonomous-mobility-testing-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-10-19T01:37:06.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Various regions in Japan are conducting pilot programs for autonomous driving technology to enhance local mobility and public transportation.

In Kobe, Nissan is expanding an experimental program using Nissan Serena models to test commercial service viability. The pilot, scheduled for December 2026, focuses on the Nada Gogo area and includes a smartphone-based booking system and centralized remote monitoring managed from Yokohama.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, Koga City is conducting its second demonstration of the ‘Jidousha Unten Noruto’ autonomous bus service. This Level 2 autonomous project utilizes a semi-demand system where buses follow fixed routes but only stop at reserved stations. The initiative aims to address driver shortages and aging populations, with public test rides scheduled through November 2026 followed by an AI learning phase.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Koga City launches second autonomous bus demonstration

Koga City, Japan, is launching a second demonstration of its autonomous “Noruto” bus service, integrating AI on-demand transport to combat driver shortages and support an aging population.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koga-city-launches-second-autonomous-bus-demonstration

### 2026-10-15: Nissan expands autonomous mobility testing in Kobe, Japan

Nissan is launching an autonomous mobility pilot program in Kobe, Japan, using Nissan Serena models to test smartphone-based ride booking and remote monitoring from Yokohama.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nissan-expands-autonomous-mobility-testing-in-kobe-japan

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Cite as: Autonomous mobility testing in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/autonomous-mobility-testing-in-japan