#Japan #Tokyo #Autonomous Driving #JA Mitsui Lease #Turing Inc

JA Mitsui Lease Steps Up to Fund Turing's Autonomous Driving Innovations

On November 17, 2025, JA Mitsui Lease Corporation, headquartered in Chūō-ku, Tokyo, announced its financial support for Turing Inc., a startup engaged in the development of fully autonomous driving systems, located in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. This funding marks a significant step towards the social implementation of complete autonomous driving technology originating from Japan.

Background and Objectives

The evolution of autonomous driving technology has gained momentum in recent years, spurred by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and vehicle-mounted sensors. Gradual implementations of features like automated driving assistance on highways and mobility services in designated areas have been making strides both domestically and internationally. Such technologies are seen as vital for reducing traffic accidents, addressing driver shortages, ensuring transportation options in an aging society, and enhancing logistics efficiency. There is a rising collaborative effort encompassing the industry, government, and academia aimed at tackling these diverse social challenges.

In this context, Turing is pioneering an advanced End-to-End autonomous driving AI that operates consistently from situational recognition based on camera images to final driving actions. Unlike traditional methods that rely on multiple sensors and high-precision maps, Turing’s approach boasts a simpler structure while still being able to adapt to complex driving scenarios effectively. This innovative methodology is gaining attention as a crucial pathway to achieving fully autonomous driving in the future.

Within its mid-term management plan,