Japanese officials are considering introducing ride-hailing services in a city near Tokyo where taxis are difficult to access during night-time.

Ride-hailing services are not allowed in Japan due to concerns over how to ensure the safety of services provided by drivers who don't have a specialized license and use their personal cars.

But discussions on whether to make such services available in the country are increasing due to an acute shortage of taxis at tourist sites and depopulated areas.

Kanagawa Prefecture, neighboring Tokyo, on Friday held the first meeting of a panel which discusses the feasibility of ride-hailing services.

Participants included officials from the prefectural government, a transport bureau and local taxi companies.

Governor Kuroiwa Yuji said that if local officials and taxi companies can work together to create unique ride-hailing services, they will become a new business model.

The participants were briefed about Miura City, which is facing a night-time shortage of taxis that is affecting the local economy, especially the dining industry.

They were also told that local taxi firms are expected to help train drivers and manage operations to ensure the safety of users.

Officials from a local taxi industry group said that what needs to be done beforehand is to assess potential demand.

They also said the prefectural government should listen to the opinions of local taxi companies.

The local government plans to continue discussions on the implementation of the services as a way to stimulate the local economy.

An official at the Kanagawa prefectural government, Yokokawa Yutaka, said that the starting point of discussions is that there are people in need, and that all stakeholders, including Miura City and local taxi firms, should work together for a solution.