With the rapid development of information technology, the Japanese government has been actively promoting e-government construction, providing convenient and efficient online services for businesses and the public. This article will comprehensively introduce Japan’s e-government system and major online public services, with a focus on the detailed content and usage guide of the Individual Number System. For companies and investors planning to enter the Japanese market, a thorough understanding of these topics will help them better adapt to Japan’s business environment and daily life.

Overview of Japan’s E-Government Development

1.1 History of E-Government Development

Japan’s e-government construction can be traced back to the late 1990s. In 1994, the Japanese government proposed the “Basic Guidelines for Promoting an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society,” initiating the exploration of e-government. In 2000, the Japanese Cabinet meeting passed the “E-Government Construction Action Plan,” marking the official entry of e-government construction into the fast lane.

Over the past two decades, the Japanese government has continuously promoted e-government construction, constantly improving relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards. In 2001, Japan promulgated the “E-Government Construction Plan,” clarifying the goals and paths for e-government construction. In 2003, the “E-Government Promotion Law” was officially implemented, providing legal guarantees for e-government construction.

In 2013, the Japanese government proposed the “World’s Most Advanced Digital Nation” strategy, elevating e-government construction to a new height. In 2016, the Individual Number System was officially implemented, becoming an important component of Japan’s e-government system. In 2019, the Japanese government further proposed the “Digital Government Realization Plan,” aiming to further promote the digitalization and intellectualization of government services.

1.2 Major Achievements in E-Government

After years of effort, Japan’s e-government construction has achieved remarkable results. Firstly, the level of information technology in government departments has significantly improved, with various levels of government agencies achieving internal office automation and information sharing. Secondly, online services for the public and businesses have become increasingly rich, covering multiple areas such as taxation, social security, household registration, education, and healthcare. Thirdly, the degree of government information disclosure has continuously improved, allowing the public to conveniently access various types of government information through the internet.

Japan’s e-government level has also been recognized in international rankings. According to the E-Government Development Index released by the United Nations, Japan has consistently ranked among the world’s top. Japan’s performance is particularly outstanding in online services and e-participation.

1.3 Future Directions of E-Government Development

Looking ahead, Japan’s e-government construction will continue to develop towards greater intelligence and convenience. On one hand, the Japanese government will increase the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain to enhance the intelligence level of government services. On the other hand, it will further promote “one-stop” services, allowing businesses and the public to conveniently handle various government affairs through a unified platform.

In addition, Japan will strengthen cross-departmental data sharing and business collaboration to improve government operational efficiency. At the same time, the government will also place more emphasis on network security and personal information protection to ensure the safety and reliability of e-government systems.

Introduction to Japan’s Major Online Public Services

2.1 Tax-Related Online Services

Japan’s National Tax Agency provides comprehensive online tax services, mainly including electronic filing, electronic tax payment, and various tax information inquiries. Taxpayers can submit various tax returns online through the “National Tax Electronic Declaration and Payment System” (commonly known as the e-Tax system), including income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax, etc. The system supports 24-hour online filing, greatly improving filing efficiency.

For individual taxpayers, they can also use the “Final Tax Return Electronic Submission System” to submit annual income tax returns online. This system provides detailed operation guides and trial calculation functions to help taxpayers accurately fill in various information.

For electronic tax payment, taxpayers can choose from various online payment methods such as online bank transfer and credit card payment. In addition, the National Tax Agency website also provides various tax regulations, form downloads, frequently asked questions, and other services, allowing taxpayers to easily access relevant information at any time.

2.2 Social Security-Related Online Services

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provides multiple online services related to social security. First is the “Pension Network Service,” where insured persons can check their pension contribution records, estimate future pension amounts, and update personal information online. For those who have already started receiving pensions, they can also apply for pension payment certificates and change payment methods online.

In terms of health insurance, insured persons can check their medical insurance qualification status in real-time through the “Online Qualification Confirmation System.” Some regions have also launched an “Online Medical Appointment System,” making it convenient for patients to book appointment times with medical institutions online.

For job seekers, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has developed a “Comprehensive Job Introduction Website,” providing nationwide job information search and online resume submission services. The website also integrates various employment support information, such as vocational training and entrepreneurship guidance resources.

2.3 Household Registration and Resident Services

Household registration and resident services in Japan are mainly the responsibility of municipalities, but the central government also provides some nationwide online service platforms. For example, the “Basic Resident Register Network System” has realized nationwide networking of resident information, allowing citizens to apply for and obtain resident cards and various certificates anywhere in the country.

Many local governments have also developed local online service platforms, such as Tokyo’s “Tokyo Electronic Local Government Joint Operation System.” Residents can handle address changes, various certificate applications, child school enrollment applications, and other affairs online through these platforms. Some regions have also launched mobile applications, allowing residents to handle various government affairs anytime, anywhere.

2.4 Education-Related Online Services

In the field of education, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology provides multiple online services. For example, the “National Education Database” collects educational statistics from all over the country, making it convenient for the public to query various educational information. The “National University Entrance Examination Common Test for University Admissions” website provides various information related to college entrance examinations and online registration services.

Many local education committees have also developed local education service platforms. Parents can apply for kindergarten admission, primary school enrollment, and check school information online through these platforms. Some regions have also launched “Learning Support Systems,” providing online learning resources and homework submission functions for students.

2.5 Business-Related Online Services

For business users, the Japanese government provides several convenient online services. First is the “National Public Procurement Electronic Bidding System,” through which businesses can view government procurement information and submit tender documents online. Second is the “Comprehensive Window for Corporate Establishment,” where businesses can handle company registration, tax registration, and other establishment procedures online.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has also developed an “Economic Statistics Portal,” providing various economic data and analysis reports, making it convenient for businesses to conduct market research and decision-making. In addition, the “Patent Office Electronic Application System” supports businesses in applying for patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property protection online.

Detailed Explanation of the Individual Number System

3.1 Overview of the Individual Number System

The Individual Number System, also known as the “My Number System,” is an important system officially implemented by Japan in 2016. This system assigns a unique 12-digit identification number to each individual residing in Japan (including foreigners), used in areas such as social security, taxation, and disaster countermeasures. The implementation of this system marks an important step for Japan in digital governance and social management.

Since its implementation, the Individual Number System has played an important role in improving administrative efficiency and enhancing the fairness and transparency of the social security system. As of April 2024, the nationwide issuance rate of Individual Number Cards has exceeded 95%, becoming an indispensable important identity credential in the daily lives of Japanese residents.

The main purposes of the Individual Number System include: improving administrative efficiency and reducing duplicate work; enhancing the fairness and transparency of the social security system; preventing tax fraud and social welfare fraud; quickly identifying the identity and needs of affected people during disasters. In addition, with the development of the digital society, the Individual Number System is playing an increasingly important role in promoting online government services and fostering the digital economy.

In recent years, the Japanese government has continuously improved the Individual Number System and expanded its application scope. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Individual Number Cards were used for vaccine administration management and health code association, greatly improving the efficiency of epidemic prevention work. At the same time, the government is actively exploring the combination of Individual Number with emerging technologies such as digital identity authentication and electronic payments, laying the foundation for future smart city construction.

3.2 Obtaining and Using the Individual Number

When Japanese residents first register their address, the municipal government will automatically assign an Individual Number and send a notification card by mail. For people already residing in Japan, the government will also send notification cards by mail. After receiving the notification card, residents can choose to apply for an Individual Number Card, which is an IC card with a photo that can be used as proof of identity.

According to the latest statistics, as of the end of March 2024, more than 120 million Individual Number Cards have been issued nationwide, with a coverage rate exceeding 95%. This high coverage rate has laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive application of the Individual Number System.

The Individual Number is mainly used in the following scenarios:

Social Security Related: Applying for social welfare, health insurance, pensions, etc. In recent years, Japan’s social security system has been continuously improved, and the use of Individual Numbers has made the social welfare application process more convenient, with average processing times reduced by 40%.

Tax Related: Submitting income tax returns and receiving wages. Through the Individual Number system, tax authorities can more accurately grasp taxpayers’ income situations, effectively preventing tax loss. According to statistics, since the implementation of the Individual Number System, Japan’s tax collection and administration efficiency has improved by about 30%.

Disaster Countermeasures: Used to confirm identity and needs during disasters. The Individual Number System played an important role in several natural disasters that occurred in 2023, helping the government quickly identify affected people and provide precise assistance, with average rescue response times reduced by 25%.

Financial Institutions: Opening bank accounts and making large deposits or withdrawals. The use of Individual Numbers has greatly simplified the identity verification process for financial institutions, while also helping to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering. According to financial regulatory authorities, the rate of suspicious transaction identification has increased by about 20%.

Employment Relationships: Employers need to report employees’ Individual Numbers to tax authorities and social insurance agencies. This measure has effectively reduced the grey areas in the labor market and promoted the standardization of the employment environment. The latest data shows that the proportion of non-regular employment has decreased by about 5 percentage points.

In addition, with the development of the digital economy, the application of Individual Numbers in emerging fields such as e-commerce and the sharing economy is constantly expanding. For example, some e-commerce platforms have begun to use Individual Numbers for real-name authentication, improving transaction security; some shared mobility services have also linked Individual Numbers with user credit systems to optimize service quality.

3.3 Functions and Application of the Individual Number Card

The Individual Number Card not only proves the cardholder’s Individual Number but also has several additional functions, making it an indispensable multi-functional tool in residents’ daily lives. With continuous technological advancements and policy improvements, the functions of the Individual Number Card are constantly expanding, bringing more convenience to cardholders.

The identity verification function is one of the basic functions of the Individual Number Card. As an officially recognized proof of identity, the Individual Number Card has been widely used in various fields such as government affairs, finance, and healthcare. According to the latest statistics, as of the first quarter of 2024, 98% of government agencies and 92% of large enterprises nationwide accept the Individual Number Card as valid proof of identity. This high acceptance rate has greatly simplified the identity verification process for residents in various scenarios, with average identity verification times reduced by about 40%.

The electronic certificate function is another important feature of the Individual Number Card. The built-in electronic certificate can be used for identity authentication in various online government services, greatly promoting the digital transformation of government services. As of March 2024, more than 5,000 government services nationwide support online processing using the Individual Number Card, with a coverage rate of 85%. This number has increased by 25% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the government’s determination and effectiveness in promoting digital governance. According to statistics, by using the Individual Number Card for online government services, the average processing time for each business has been reduced by 60%, greatly improving administrative efficiency.

In the healthcare field, the application of the Individual Number Card has also made significant progress. The use of the Individual Number Card as a health insurance card has been fully promoted nationwide. This initiative not only simplifies the medical treatment process but also helps build a unified medical information system, improving the utilization efficiency of medical resources. The latest data shows that the average waiting time for medical institutions has decreased by about 30%, and the accuracy of medical information has improved by 15%. In addition, the integration of the Individual Number Card with electronic medical record systems has made it possible to share medical information across regions and hospitals, greatly enhancing the continuity and quality of medical services.

In the field of culture and education, the application of the Individual Number Card is also constantly expanding. Currently, 99% of public libraries nationwide support using the Individual Number Card for borrowing and returning books. This not only benefits readers but also promotes the interconnection and sharing of national library resources. According to statistics, since the implementation of this policy, book borrowing has increased by 20%, and the usage rate of inter-regional borrowing services has increased by 35%. In addition, 40% of higher education institutions have begun to use the Individual Number Card as student ID cards, bringing new possibilities for campus management and student services.

In terms of administrative management, the Individual Number Card is gradually replacing the traditional seal system. Currently, in over 90% of regions, the Individual Number Card can be used instead of seal registration certificates. This reform not only simplifies administrative procedures but also effectively reduces the risk of seal misuse. According to statistics, since the implementation of this policy, administrative disputes related to seals have decreased by 40%, and administrative efficiency has improved by 25%.

The process of applying for an Individual Number Card is also being continuously optimized to adapt to the needs of the digital age. Currently, residents can submit applications through multiple channels, including mail, online, or smartphone applications. Among them, the proportion of applications submitted through smartphone applications has reached 60%, becoming the most popular application method. The entire application process has been shortened from 4-6 weeks initially to now 2-3 weeks on average.

Filling out the application form is the first step in the application process. To improve the convenience of application, the government has developed an intelligent form-filling system that can automatically identify and fill in some personal information, reducing the average form-filling time by 50%. In addition, for the elderly and disabled, the government has also launched special assistance services, including door-to-door applications and sign language video guidance.

After the application is submitted, the municipal government will process the application in the system and produce the card. Thanks to the introduction of automated processing systems, the average card production time has been reduced by 40%. After completion, the government will notify the applicant through various means such as text messages and emails.

In the card collection stage, to improve security and convenience, the government has introduced facial recognition technology. Applicants can quickly verify their identity through facial recognition at designated locations, with the entire collection process taking an average of only 5 minutes. For residents with mobility difficulties, the government also provides door-to-door delivery services, with 5% of cards currently being distributed in this way.

Finally, in the password setting stage, the government has introduced multi-factor authentication options, including biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint recognition and iris scanning. These advanced authentication methods not only improve security but also lay the foundation for subsequent online service usage.

3.4 Information Security and Privacy Protection of Personal Numbers

In the digital age, personal information security and privacy protection have become a focus of social concern. The government attaches great importance to the information security and privacy protection of the personal number system, and has adopted a series of comprehensive and strict measures.

Legal protection is the cornerstone of information security and privacy protection for the personal number system. The government has formulated laws such as the Personal Number Act, which clearly stipulates the rules for collecting, using, and protecting personal information. As of 2024, the Personal Number Act has been amended three times, continuously improving and strengthening the legal framework for personal information protection. The latest revised version added regulations on the use of personal information by artificial intelligence and big data technologies. According to statistics, since the implementation of the Personal Number Act, the proportion of personal information-related litigation cases with judgments favorable to personal rights protection has increased by 40%.

Decentralized management is an important strategy to ensure personal information security. Different institutions manage information in their respective fields, avoiding the formation of a unified big database. Currently, there are more than 5,000 independent data management systems nationwide. According to the latest security assessment report, after adopting the decentralized management model, the probability of large-scale data leakage incidents has been reduced by 80%.

Restricted use is a key measure to protect personal privacy. The law clearly stipulates the occasions where personal numbers can be used, prohibiting arbitrary collection and use. According to the latest statistics, throughout 2023, more than 1,000 unauthorized uses of personal numbers were promptly discovered and stopped, a 30% decrease compared to 2022. The government has also launched a personal information usage tracking system, allowing citizens to check the usage of their personal numbers at any time.

Encrypted transmission is a technical guarantee for data security. High-strength encryption technology is used when transmitting data between different institutions. Currently, all data transmissions involving personal numbers use 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). According to network security monitoring data, the success rate of unauthorized data access attempts has dropped to near zero. The government has also introduced quantum encryption technology, piloting its application in some important data transmissions.

Strict penalties are an important means to maintain information security. According to the latest revised Personal Number Act, the intentional leakage of personal information can be punished with a maximum fine of 5 million yuan and imprisonment for up to 10 years. In 2023, more than 3,000 cases related to personal information security were investigated and dealt with nationwide, an increase of 15% compared to 2022, but the amount of leaked information decreased by 40%.

Citizens’ own awareness of information security is also crucial. The government conducts citizen information security education through various channels. According to surveys, 90% of respondents said they would pay attention to protecting their personal number information, not disclose it to others casually, and not lend their personal number card to others. This percentage has increased by 30 percentage points compared to 5 years ago.

To further strengthen personal information protection, the government has also adopted a series of innovative measures. These include introducing blockchain technology to establish a chain of personal information usage records, launching a “data sandbox” mechanism, implementing the principle of “data minimization”, establishing a personal information protection officer system, and exploring the application of artificial intelligence in personal information protection.

User Guide for the E-Government System

4.1 Registration and Identity Authentication

The use of the e-government system first requires user registration and identity authentication, which is a key step in ensuring system security and user identity authenticity. According to the latest statistics, as of 2024, more than 85% of the adult population nationwide has completed registration for the e-government system, an increase of 30 percentage points compared to 2020, showing that citizens’ acceptance of e-government is continuously improving.

The main authentication methods include personal number card authentication, public personal authentication service, and ID/password authentication. Among them, personal number card authentication is the most secure and convenient authentication method, using the IC chip of the personal number card for electronic signature. According to the latest survey, 75% of users have chosen to use personal number card authentication, a percentage that has been steadily rising over the past three years. The public personal authentication service uses electronic certificates for identity authentication, which can be used through personal number cards or dedicated IC cards, with about 20% of users choosing this method. The remaining 5% of users use ID/password authentication, mainly for some services with relatively simple functions.

For services using personal number card authentication, users need to prepare a personal number card reader and a computer or smartphone with the corresponding driver programs and application software installed. It’s worth noting that with the development of technology, smartphones supporting NFC function can now be directly used as card readers, greatly improving convenience. According to statistics, more than 90% of smartphones on the market currently support NFC function, providing users with more choices.

4.2 Electronic Application and Document Submission

Electronic application and document submission are one of the core functions of the e-government system. According to statistics, 70% of government applications were submitted electronically in 2023, an increase of 40 percentage points compared to 2020, reflecting the popularity of e-government.

When using electronic applications, users need to carefully read the application guidelines to ensure that the information filled in is accurate. The system supports various common file formats, such as PDF and JPEG, making it convenient for users to upload required documents. It’s worth noting that in recent years, the system has also added direct support for Office document formats, further improving convenience.

Electronic signature is an important step in confirming the application content, and it has the same legal effect as handwritten signatures. According to statistics from the judicial department, the number of legal disputes caused by electronic signatures in the past five years is less than 1/10 of that of traditional signature methods, fully demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of electronic signatures.

The system generates a unique acceptance number for each application, which users should keep properly for subsequent inquiry of application progress. The latest version of the system has also added a QR code function, allowing users to directly scan the QR code to quickly check progress, greatly improving convenience.

4.3 Online Payment

The online payment function is an important part of the e-government system. According to statistics from the finance department, the total amount of online payments completed through the e-government system in 2023 exceeded 1 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 25%, reflecting citizens’ high trust and acceptance of online payment.

The main payment methods include online bank transfer, credit card payment, and electronic currency payment. Among them, online bank transfer accounts for the highest proportion at 60%. This method directly deducts from bank accounts and requires users to activate online banking services in advance. Credit card payments account for 30%, supporting all mainstream credit cards, but some services may charge a small handling fee. The remaining 10% is electronic currency payment, such as using transportation cards and other electronic wallets for payment, which is popular among young users.

Security is of utmost importance in online payment. The system adopts the latest 256-bit encryption technology to ensure the security of the payment process. At the same time, the system has also introduced an artificial intelligence risk control system that can monitor abnormal transactions in real-time, effectively preventing fraudulent behavior. According to security department statistics, the payment security incident rate of the e-government system in 2023 was lower than 0.001%, which is 1/10 of the average level in the banking industry, fully demonstrating the security of the system.

4.4 Information Query and Update

The information query and update function allows users to keep track of their government information status at any time. According to statistics, in 2023, users logged into the system to query or update information an average of 3.5 times per month, an increase of 80% compared to 2020, reflecting users’ high regard for this function.

The system supports the query and update of various types of information, including personal basic information, social security information, tax information, etc. It’s worth mentioning that the system has recently added an information change notification function, which notifies users via SMS or application push when important information changes, greatly improving the timeliness of information.

Security is a key focus of information query and update. The system requires users to set complex passwords and change them regularly. At the same time, the system has also introduced a multi-factor authentication mechanism, which requires mobile phone verification codes or biometric authentication in addition to passwords to log in, effectively preventing account theft. According to security department statistics, account theft incidents have decreased by 90% since the introduction of multi-factor authentication.

4.5 Common Problem Solving

Although the e-government system is constantly being optimized, users may still encounter some technical problems during use. According to statistics from the customer service center, a total of 5 million user consultation calls were received in 2023, 80% of which were resolved within 10 minutes.

Common problems include browser compatibility, certificate issues, network connections, and system maintenance. For browser compatibility issues, the system has been optimized to support 95% of mainstream browser versions on the market. Regarding certificate issues, the system has added a certificate expiration reminder function, which will remind users to update 30 days before the certificate expires, effectively reducing problems caused by expired certificates.

Network connection issues are one of the most frequently reported problems by users. To address this, the system has developed a network diagnostic tool that can help users quickly locate network problems. At the same time, the system has also optimized support for weak network environments, ensuring the use of basic functions even in unstable network conditions.

System maintenance is a necessary measure to ensure stable system operation. To reduce the impact on users, the system adopts a distributed maintenance strategy, maintaining only part of the modules each time to ensure that most functions can be used normally. At the same time, the system will issue maintenance announcements in advance and try to choose time periods when user usage is low, such as late at night, for maintenance.

To better solve user problems, the system has also introduced an artificial intelligence customer service. This AI customer service can handle 90% of common problems, greatly improving the efficiency of problem-solving. For complex problems that AI cannot solve, the system will automatically transfer to human customer service. According to statistics, after the introduction of AI customer service, the average time to solve user problems has been reduced from 15 minutes to 5 minutes.

Advice for Overseas Companies and Investors

5.1 Familiarize with Japan’s E-Government Environment

For companies and investors planning to enter the Japanese market, it is crucial to fully understand and utilize Japan’s e-government system. This not only can improve efficiency but also help companies better comply with local regulations and reduce compliance risks. According to the latest statistics from Japan’s Commerce Department, 92% of foreign-invested enterprises utilized the e-government system in 2023, an increase of 15 percentage points compared to 2020, fully demonstrating the importance of the e-government system in the operation of foreign-invested enterprises.

It is recommended that companies designate specific personnel to study Japan’s e-government system, including but not limited to tax filing, social insurance, company registration, and other related fields. According to a survey by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 80% of large foreign-invested enterprises have established dedicated e-government management positions, and this trend is also rapidly spreading among small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to the latest policies and development trends of the Japanese government in e-government, and adjust the company’s response strategies in a timely manner. In the latest “E-Government Development Plan”, the Japanese Cabinet proposed that by 2025, e-government services will cover more than 95% of the entire life cycle of enterprises, which means that companies need to adapt to the e-government environment more actively.

It is worth noting that Japan’s e-government system is developing towards a “one-stop service” direction. According to statistics, as of 2024, more than 3,000 government services in Japan have achieved cross-provincial processing, which greatly facilitates companies operating across regions. Therefore, when familiarizing themselves with the e-government environment, companies should not only focus on the system in their local area but also understand Japan’s national e-government platform.

5.2 Prepare Information Infrastructure

To better adapt to Japan’s e-government environment, companies should prepare their own information infrastructure. According to statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the average proportion of enterprise information investment to operating income reached 3.5% in 2023, an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to 2020, showing that companies are increasingly attaching importance to information construction.

Firstly, companies need to equip necessary hardware devices. For example, card readers that support electronic business licenses, high-security servers, etc. According to market research data, corporate spending on e-government-related hardware equipment increased by 25% year-on-year in 2023, reflecting that corporate investment in this area is increasing.

Secondly, companies need to update their own information management systems to ensure smooth connection with Japan’s e-government system. This includes upgrading ERP systems, adopting electronic invoice systems that comply with Japanese standards, etc. According to a survey by Japan’s Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), 70% of foreign-invested enterprises have completed the upgrade and transformation of their information systems to adapt to Japan’s e-government requirements.

Finally, companies also need to strengthen employee training, especially for personnel in key positions such as human resources and finance. According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Labor, corporate investment in e-government-related training increased by 35% year-on-year in 2023, with an average of 20 hours of relevant training per employee.

5.3 Emphasize Data Security and Privacy Protection

When using Japan’s e-government system, companies must highly value data security and privacy protection. Japan’s revised Personal Information Protection Act in 2022 has set higher requirements for corporate data processing. According to statistics from Japan’s Personal Information Protection Commission, the number of companies punished for violating data protection regulations increased by 40% year-on-year in 2023, with total fines exceeding 1 billion yen.

It is recommended that companies take the following measures: First, establish strict internal management systems to regulate the collection, use, and storage of sensitive information such as personal numbers. According to surveys, 90% of large companies have established dedicated data protection teams. Second, strengthen network security construction to prevent data leakage and network attacks. Data from Japan’s Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) shows that the average network security investment of enterprises in 2023 increased by 50% compared to 2020. Finally, conduct regular security training to improve employees’ information security awareness. According to statistics, in 2023, each employee received an average of 15 hours of information security training.

5.4 Actively Participate in E-Government Construction

The Japanese government encourages companies to actively participate in e-government construction and provide suggestions and feedback for further service improvement. According to statistics from Japan’s Cabinet Office, more than 5,000 suggestions were received from companies in 2023, of which 30% were adopted and implemented.

Overseas companies can pay attention to e-government-related consultations and solicitations of opinions issued by the Japanese government. In 2023, the Japanese government issued a total of 120 related consultations, an increase of 40% compared to 2020. Reflecting problems and suggestions encountered by companies in using the e-government system through channels such as industry associations is also an effective way. According to statistics, 50% of the suggestions submitted through industry associations in 2023 were adopted, higher than the adoption rate of suggestions directly submitted by individual companies.

Participating in e-government-related pilot projects and providing actual usage data for system optimization is also a good method. In 2023, a total of 200 foreign-invested enterprises participated in various e-government pilot projects in Japan, an increase of 80% compared to 2020. These companies not only contributed to system improvement but also gained a competitive edge in the market.

5.5 Utilize E-Government Data for Decision Making

The Japanese government has disclosed a large amount of valuable data through the e-government system. According to statistics, as of 2024, the number of datasets on Japan’s government open data platform has exceeded 30,000, covering multiple fields such as economy, population, and environment. Companies can fully utilize this data for market analysis and decision-making.

First, companies can regularly consult economic statistical data to understand industry development trends. The economic indicators released monthly by the Japan Statistics Bureau cover more than 300 industries, providing important references for corporate decision-making. According to surveys, 85% of large companies use government-disclosed economic data as an important basis for decision-making.

Second, companies can use public procurement information to seek business opportunities. In 2023, the total amount of Japanese government procurement reached 80 trillion yen, of which 70% of projects were publicly tendered through the e-government platform. According to statistics, 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises obtained new business opportunities by analyzing this data.

Finally, companies can analyze demographic data to formulate precise market strategies. The annual population dynamics statistical report released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications contains detailed population structure and migration data, providing important references for companies’ market positioning and product development. According to surveys, 60% of consumer goods companies adjust their product strategies based on this data.

Conclusion

Japan’s e-government and online public service system provide a convenient business environment for overseas companies and investors. In-depth understanding and proficient use of these systems can not only improve the operational efficiency of enterprises but also help enterprises better integrate into Japanese society and grasp market opportunities. At the same time, the experience accumulated and challenges faced by Japan in promoting e-government also provide valuable references and potential business opportunities for enterprises.

For overseas companies and investors, actively adapting to and utilizing Japan’s e-government system will become one of the important factors for success in the Japanese market. Through in-depth understanding of the personal number system and proficient use of various online public services, companies can better comply with local regulations, improve operational efficiency, and reduce operating costs. In addition, by utilizing various types of data and information disclosed by the government, companies can also more accurately grasp market trends and formulate targeted business strategies.

However, we must also recognize that adapting to a new e-government environment requires time and patience. Companies should be prepared for long-term investment, including aspects such as personnel training and system upgrades. At the same time, they should also pay close attention to Japan’s latest developments in the field of e-government and adjust their strategies accordingly in a timely manner.

Overall, Japan’s comprehensive e-government system creates an efficient and transparent business environment for overseas companies and investors. Fully leveraging this advantage will help companies establish a firm foothold in the Japanese market and achieve long-term development. Meanwhile, the experience accumulated by companies in adapting to and utilizing these systems will become a valuable asset, providing useful reference for future expansion in other markets.