— Latest update: February 2024 —

Technological advances have brought about a change known as the fourth industrial revolution that today is driving digitalization. In this context, Japan has developed the initiative of Society 5.0, a super-smart society that merges the physical and digital spaces with the contribution of innovations in science and technology.

EU-Japan Centre, Society 5.0 Strategy in Japan, 2018

From economy to social structures, every aspect of human society will be deeply affected by the ramping digitalization. For example, Augmented Reality will change the perception of what we see in the real world, or payment will be made outside of bank authority thanks to blockchain technology. With the introduction of all those new technologies in society, Japan is assessing the possibilities provided by those developments.

The 2023 G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting emphasized the importance of creating “an enabling, inclusive, open, fair, non-discriminatory and secure digital economy” with a focus on a more resilient and reliable digital economy. The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication expressed awareness of the significance of the establishment of digital infrastructures such as Open Ran and optical submarine cables to foster the security of the digital economy.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Results of the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting, 2023

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Table of Contents

• Overview
• IT-Related Policies & Society 5.0 strategy
• Regulations
• IT Market
• Technology Trade
• Internet & Mobile Phone Use