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Driving a manual transmission may do more than provide a more engaging driving experience. New research from Japan suggests operating a stick shift activates key areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, and decision-making more than driving an automatic.

The findings come from Professor Ryuta Kawashima of Tohoku University’s Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, according to Japanese outlet Best Car Web. Known for developing the science behind Nintendo’s popular Brain Age games, Kawashima found that the sequence of actions required to drive a manual transmission stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a region linked to higher cognitive functions.

Researchers found that coordinating clutch operation, gear selection, throttle control, and monitoring traffic requires drivers to continuously process multiple tasks at once. This constant mental engagement keeps the prefrontal cortex active, potentially providing a form of everyday cognitive exercise.

The findings could be particularly significant in countries with aging populations such as Japan, where maintaining cognitive function has become an increasing public health priority. Regularly engaging neural pathways through complex tasks may help preserve mental sharpness, while driving an automatic or semi-autonomous vehicle demands considerably less active participation.

Despite the potential cognitive benefits, manual transmissions continue to disappear from the market. Reports indicate that vehicles equipped with manual gearboxes account for only about 1 to 2 percent of new car sales in Japan, reflecting the global shift toward automatic and hybrid powertrains.

Today, manual transmissions are largely limited to entry-level kei vans and trucks, including models like the Honda N-Van, Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, and Suzuki Every. Meanwhile, mainstream vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are now offered exclusively with continuously variable transmissions due to their hybrid systems. Even performance-inspired models like the new Honda Prelude are available only with automatic gearboxes.

While the study does not claim that driving a manual can prevent cognitive decline or neurological disease, it highlights how everyday activities that require sustained attention and coordination may provide measurable mental benefits. As automakers continue moving toward automation, the traditional stick shift may offer an unexpected advantage beyond driving enjoyment.