Japan Connected Cars Market Overview, 2029

The connected cars market in Japan is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and 5G. Connected cars enable real-time communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other devices, paving the way for safer and more efficient transportation systems. The story of connected cars in Japan is one of early adoption and continuous innovation. The first connected cars emerged in the late 1990s, offering basic navigation and communication features. The DoCoMo PreCar, released in 1999, marked a significant milestone with its internet connectivity. Early 2000s saw the rise of telematics services, providing remote diagnostics and safety features. Toyota's G-BOOK and Honda's Honda Connect were prominent examples. Emphasis shifted towards improving safety and convenience, with features like real-time traffic updates and hands-free communication gaining traction. The late 2000s witnessed the introduction of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Focus on autonomous driving technologies began to emerge, driven by government initiatives and advancements in sensor and AI technologies. The current era is characterized by rapid growth and diversification. 5G rollout promises faster data transmission, enabling more sophisticated connected car applications. Personalization, in-vehicle entertainment, and seamless integration with smart city infrastructure are key trends.

According to the research report "Japan Connected Cars Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Japanese connected cars market is expected reach market size of more than USD 2 billion USD by 2029. In Japan's connected car market, several key drivers propel growth. Government initiatives like "Society 5.0" and R&D funding promote connected car technologies. Additionally, the aging population's demand for safe mobility solutions further fuels this growth. Technological progress in AI, 5G, and sensors also fosters innovation in connected car solutions, meeting the rising consumer demand for safe, convenient, and personalized driving experiences. However, the market faces significant challenges. Cybersecurity concerns regarding data privacy, lack of standardized communication protocols, and infrastructure pose obstacles. Moreover, integrating connected car technologies increases vehicle costs, potentially impacting affordability, particularly for budget-conscious consumers. Building consumer trust and awareness about the benefits and safety of connected cars is vital for broader adoption, alongside navigating regulatory frameworks to ensure innovation while maintaining safety and data privacy standards.

In Japan, regulatory oversight of connected cars is led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), ensuring vehicle safety and telecommunications regulations respectively. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) sets cybersecurity standards. Key policies include the Road Transport Vehicle Law for safety standards and the Telecommunications Business Act for data transmission. The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) safeguards personal data, while the Cybersecurity for Mobility (CSM) Guidelines offer cybersecurity recommendations. Certification involves vehicle homologation by MLIT, telecommunications equipment certification by MIC, and cybersecurity certifications for market access. The Smart City Model Project drives connected car integration into smart city infrastructure.

In the Japanese connected car market, segmentation occurs along several key dimensions. Firstly, by technology, 4G/LTE currently dominates due to its established infrastructure and affordability, although its growth is slowing with the accelerating adoption of 5G, which offers high-speed data transmission and low latency crucial for advanced connected car applications like autonomous driving and V2X communication. Meanwhile, 3G usage is gradually declining due to limited bandwidth and slower speeds, primarily confined to older vehicles and budget-conscious segments. Secondly, segmentation occurs by connectivity solutions: integrated systems provided by OEMs hold the largest share, offering seamless integration and a premium experience; embedded systems are gaining traction due to their deeper functionalities and customization options; while tethered solutions, connecting to smartphones or dedicated devices, are declining due to reliance on external hardware and limited functionalities.

Thirdly, segmentation by application reveals diverse needs: driver assistance features lead, driven by safety concerns and government regulations, followed by safety features, infotainment, telematics for fleet management and insurance purposes, fleet management for optimizing operations and reducing costs, mobility management for urban integration with public transportation and ride-sharing services, and niche segments offering functionalities like vehicle tracking, parking assist, and in-car health monitoring. Finally, segmentation by end market shows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offering integrated and embedded solutions, while the aftermarket segment is growing, providing tethered and upgrade solutions for older vehicles.



The Japanese connected car market is on the cusp of a major transformation. With a proactive government, innovative companies, and increasing consumer demand, the market holds immense potential for growth and development. Addressing challenges related to cybersecurity, standardization, and cost will be crucial to ensure the smooth and successful evolution of this dynamic market.