The is the official state car used by the Prime Minister of Japan. Since 2020, a Toyota Century (third generation) model has been used, which replaced the Lexus LS model that was previously in use.[1]
The official car of the Prime Minister is armored with bulletproof glass and is covered in special steel armor. Vehicles of other members of the cabinet do not have extensive armoring, as gun laws in Japan are said to be some of the world's strictest.[2] As for the Imperial family, the Emperor may travel in armored vehicles during times when there is a large crowd or during official duties.
Unlike the presidential state car of the United States, the official car of the Prime Minister is not driven by security agents. Instead, it is driven by a staff member from the cabinet office, who also receives extensive driving training. A new driver is appointed for each Prime Minister, and the outgoing driver must resign together with the outgoing Prime Minister.
From 1921 to 1931, the Prime Minister used a Mercedes-Benz from then-Japanese occupied Qingdao. In 1932, the official car changed to an armoured Lincoln, and that car was used by the next six Prime Ministers. However, Prime Minister Nobuyuki Abe was against using that vehicle, as he said "It was like riding in a tank". From then on, the Prime Minister's Official Car changed frequently between Buicks and Chryslers, as each Prime Minister had his own preference.[3]
Since World War II, the Prime Minister's Official Car gradually changed from American vehicles to Japanese vehicles, as the country introduced its automotive industry development policy. From Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, the Nissan President, the Nissan Austin A50 Cambridge, and the Toyota Crown were used as the official car.
Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Japanese government changed the official vehicle to an armored Toyota Century. For the next 45 years, the Toyota Century was used as the official car due to its safety and comfort.
In 2008, the Japanese government changed the official car to the Lexus LS. In addition to having the same level of luxury and safety as the Toyota Century, the Lexus LS had lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.[4]
In 2020, the Japanese government picked the newest version Toyota Century (third generation) as the Prime Minister's Official Car, instead of the new Lexus LS.