Video Japan's Prime Minister Abe Hits Tokyo Streets in a Nissan's Self-Driving Car

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took Japan in a new direction Saturday -- an Autonomous Drive one, as he rode in the Nissan AD vehicle's public street debut.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

Using a Nissan LEAF equipped with AD technology, the car's cameras, laser scanners and radar detect road conditions and can automate control of the vehicle's acceleration, handling, brakes and more.

In a Tokyo drive near the national parliament, Abe took turns riding in the autonomous cars of Nissan, Honda and Toyota, saying the technologies were a tribute to Japan's cutting-edge leadership and growth potential.

"Today I road in the Autonomous Drive cars from Toyota, Honda and Nissan," said Prime Minister Abe told the media.

"In particular, in tough driving conditions such as tight curves and lane changing using autonomous driving, I think our Japanese technologies are among the world's best."