Autonomous driving technology is advancing around the world, and with it are expected solutions to current social issues through reductions of accident-related deaths, elimination of driver shortages and provision of new transit methods. Japan has launched a government-led project, and in 2021 a Japanese manufacturer released a vehicle equipped with Level 3 capabilities that can handle all driving operations. Reporter Lemi Duncan experiences the functions of a Level 3-equipped vehicle, automated water taxis solving island transit problems and futuristic vehicles achieving human-like communication.