Japan’s priority plan for the realization of a digital society

June 2021

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Strategies and Action Plans

Author: Digital Agency

Priority Plan for the Realization of a Digital Society is a comprehensive blueprint for Japan’s digital transformation, focusing on efficiency, security, and inclusivity while ensuring global competitiveness in the digital economy.

1. Vision and principles for a digital society

The plan is based on the ‘Basic policy for digital reform‘ (2020) and aims to create a society where individuals can access digital services tailored to their needs, ensuring an inclusive digital transformation.

1.1 Key goals

  1. Growth strategy through digitalization – Using technology and data to drive economic growth.
  2. Digitalization in public sectors – Implementing digital reforms in healthcare, education, disaster prevention, and childcare.
  3. Regional revitalisation through digital transformation – Strengthening local communities and services.
  4. Inclusive digital society – Ensuring no one is left behind.
  5. Development and securing of digital talent – Strengthening digital education and workforce training.
  6. International strategy (DFFT – data free flow with trust) – Promoting cross-border data exchange with trust.

2. Key challenges and strategies

2.1 Major challenges

  • Declining population & labour shortages – Need for automation and efficiency in government and industry.
  • Loss of competitiveness in the digital industry – Encouraging domestic innovation and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
  • Threats to sustainability – Addressing environmental risks, cybersecurity threats, and disaster resilience.

2.2 Strategies to overcome challenges

  1. Strengthening digital industry infrastructure – Advancing AI, cloud computing, and data-sharing platforms.
  2. Improving data connectivity & security – Building secure and interoperable digital ecosystems.
  3. Enhancing public services through digitalization – Promoting “digital-by-default” services.
  4. Developing national & regional digital platforms – Establishing a unified digital infrastructure across government bodies.
  5. Enhancing international collaboration – Aligning with global digital standards and regulations.

3. Key digital initiatives

3.1 Strengthening digital infrastructure

  • Cloud-first principle – Prioritising cloud-based solutions for government services.
  • Interoperable data spaces – Creating standardised frameworks for data exchange.
  • AI & automation in government services – Reducing administrative workload with AI-driven processes.

3.2 Modernising public administration

  • Eliminating paper-based bureaucracy – Transitioning to fully digital workflows.
  • Improving digital identity & authentication – Strengthening the use of My Number card (Japan’s national ID).
  • Digitalization of social security & healthcare – Integrating My Number with health insurance for seamless service access.

3.3 Ensuring digital inclusion

  • Bridging the digital divide – Expanding digital literacy programs and internet access.
  • Support for elderly & vulnerable groups – Providing easy-to-use digital tools.
  • Strengthening cybersecurity & privacy protections – Establishing robust data protection laws.

3.4 Enhancing digital governance

  • Optimising government IT systems – Consolidating national and regional digital platforms.
  • Encouraging the use of SaaS (software as a service) – Reducing IT costs by utilising commercial software solutions.
  • Promoting open data & transparency – Increasing public access to government data.

4. Implementation roadmap

  • Short-term (2024–2025) – Rollout of My Number card-based services, expansion of 5G networks, and development of AI-driven governance systems.
  • Medium-term (2026–2030) – Full-scale implementation of digital healthcare, smart city infrastructure, and automated government services.
  • Long-term (2030 and beyond) – Establishment of a fully digital society with AI-powered decision-making systems and seamless international data exchange.

5. Key areas of focus

  1. Digital growth strategy – Boosting innovation in industries.
  2. Public sector digitalization – Improving healthcare, education, and disaster response.
  3. Regional digital revitalisation – Using digital tools to enhance rural economies.
  4. Inclusive digital society – Ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
  5. Workforce development – Training more IT professionals.
  6. International strategy (DFFT) – Leading in global digital governance.