10,000 Self-Driving Cars by 2030 in Japan
TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE
11/18/2025
🚗 A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
backup (noun) — a person or thing used if the first one fails.
Example: We need a backup driver on long trips.
shortage (noun) — when there is not enough of something.
Example: There is a shortage of drivers in many towns.
target (noun) — a goal or plan to reach something.
Example: My target is to learn 20 new words this week.
progress (noun) — improvement or moving forward.
Example: She is making good progress in English.
produce (verb) — to make something.
Example: The factory produces new cars.
boost (noun) — something that helps or increases something.
Example: The new road will be a boost for the city.
Japan Wants 10,000 Self-Driving Vehicles by 2030
Japan has a new plan for the future. It wants 10,000 self-driving buses, taxis, and trucks on the roads by 2030.
These cars will drive without a human. There will be no backup driver.
Japan has a shortage of workers, especially in small towns. Sometimes, there are not enough people to drive buses, taxis, or trucks. Self-driving cars could help.
The government says progress may be slow until 2027, but it wants big changes between 2027 and 2030.
Small towns may get extra help so they can have enough buses.
The government also hopes self-driving vehicles will boost Japan’s car industry. China is making many electric and self-driving vehicles, so Japan wants to stay strong and produce more cars at home.
Comprehension Questions
1️⃣ How many self-driving vehicles does Japan want by 2030?
2️⃣ Why does Japan want self-driving vehicles?
3️⃣ When does Japan expect big progress?
Personal Questions (15)
Would you like to ride in a self-driving car?
Do you think self-driving cars are safe?
Have you ever seen a self-driving vehicle?
Would you trust a car with no driver?
Do you like traveling by bus, taxi, or car?
Is there a worker shortage in your country?
Do you think technology can help small towns?
Would self-driving taxis be useful where you live?
Do you enjoy driving or do you prefer being a passenger?
What is your favorite type of transportation?
Do you think robots will replace many jobs?
Would self-driving cars make life easier for older people?
What is the biggest road problem in your city?
Do you want a self-driving car in the future?
What feature would you add to a smart car?
Comprehension Answers (A1–A2)
10,000 vehicles.
Because there is a shortage of workers.
Between 2027 and 2030.
🚗 B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
backup (noun) — a second option in case the first fails.
shortage (noun) — not enough of something that is needed.
target (noun) — a specific goal to achieve.
progress (noun) — development or improvement toward a goal.
produce (verb) — to manufacture or make something.
boost (noun) — something that increases success or growth.
Japan Wants 10,000 Self-Driving Vehicles by 2030
Japan has released a new plan to put 10,000 self-driving buses, taxis, and trucks on the road by 2030. These vehicles will be able to operate without a human driver, even as a backup.
The project aims to help solve the country’s shortage of workers, especially in smaller cities and rural areas where it is difficult to find enough drivers for public transportation.
This is Japan’s first official target for the number of self-driving vehicles it wants. The government expects slow progress until 2027, followed by major expansion between 2027 and 2030.
Smaller towns may receive special support to ensure they still have access to bus services.
The government also hopes the plan will boost Japan’s auto industry. Although Japan has been a world leader in vehicle manufacturing for decades, China is quickly producing electric and self-driving vehicles, increasing competition.
If Japan can produce more of these vehicles domestically, it could strengthen the country’s economy.
Comprehension Questions
1️⃣ What problem are self-driving vehicles expected to help solve?
2️⃣ When does Japan expect significant progress in this plan?
3️⃣ How could this plan help Japan’s auto industry?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you think self-driving vehicles will reduce traffic accidents?
Would you feel safe in a driverless taxi?
Do you think worker shortages should be solved with automation?
Which jobs do you think AI might replace in the future?
Would self-driving trucks make deliveries faster in your country?
What challenges might self-driving cars face?
Do you trust technology more than human drivers? Why?
What laws should governments make for self-driving vehicles?
Would public transport improve with autonomous buses?
How could self-driving cars change travel habits?
Should people still learn to drive in the future?
What happens if self-driving vehicles malfunction on the road?
How might this technology affect taxi and truck drivers?
Would you pay extra for a fully autonomous car?
Which company do you think will lead the future of self-driving technology?
Comprehension Answers (B1–B2)
The shortage of workers.
Between 2027 and 2030.
By helping Japan produce more self-driving cars and compete globally.
🚗 C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
backup (noun) — an alternate resource available if the primary one fails.
shortage (noun) — a lack of something necessary for proper functioning.
target (noun) — a strategic goal set for achievement.
progress (noun) — forward or onward movement toward an objective.
produce (verb) — to manufacture or make goods on a large scale.
boost (noun) — an increase or improvement that raises performance or success.
Japan Wants 10,000 Self-Driving Vehicles by 2030
Japan has announced an ambitious plan to deploy 10,000 autonomous buses, taxis, and freight vehicles across the country by 2030, marking a major step forward in its transportation strategy. These vehicles are expected to operate without any human presence, not even as a backup driver.
The initiative is largely driven by Japan’s severe labor shortage, particularly in rural regions where public transportation services have been declining. Officials believe that autonomous mobility will be essential to maintaining connectivity in these areas.
This is the first time Japan has set a national target for autonomous vehicle deployment. The government predicts limited expansion until 2027, followed by rapid growth in the years leading up to 2030.
In addition to improving transportation, Japan aims to use this initiative to boost domestic automobile innovation. Although Japan has long been one of the world’s dominant car manufacturers, competition is increasing as China rapidly scales up electric and self-driving vehicle production.
Producing these advanced vehicles domestically could help Japan protect its economic leadership and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Comprehension Questions
1️⃣ What main issue is driving Japan's push for autonomous vehicles?
2️⃣ Why is the period after 2027 important in this plan?
3️⃣ How does Japan see this initiative impacting international competition?
Personal Questions (15)
What ethical challenges come with removing humans from vehicle operation?
Should governments be allowed to mandate autonomous public transport?
Could autonomous vehicles solve rural mobility problems worldwide?
How might this technology affect social equality and access to transportation?
What legal responsibility should manufacturers have if AI vehicles cause accidents?
Could autonomous trucking reshape global supply chains?
Will this technology reduce or increase unemployment in the long term?
How should governments regulate AI decision-making on public roads?
Would you trust an AI system with life-or-death driving decisions?
Could autonomous fleets reduce pollution and improve city planning?
How might insurance models change with self-driving adoption?
Should humans always have a manual override option?
How could countries collaborate on global standards for AI driving systems?
Will self-driving cars eventually eliminate private car ownership?
In your view, what is the biggest remaining obstacle to full autonomy?
Comprehension Answers (C1–C2)
A severe shortage of drivers, especially in rural areas.
It is the point at which major expansion of autonomous vehicles is expected to begin.
Japan hopes the plan will strengthen its position against competitors like China in the self-driving and electric vehicle market.
