日本語 
Japan has made another big move towards being a digital society as it has approved its latest Priority Plan for Realizing a Digital Society that calls for the issuance of next-generation My Number Card in the year 2029. According to the roadmap approved by the Cabinet of Japan on July 21, Japan will be able to provide better digital identity services, increase the use of smartphones, make use of AI-enabled government services, and create next-generation online public administration.
This move comes at a time when Japan has been working towards making its government digital through digital infrastructure. Over 100 million My Number cards have been issued in Japan covering about 80% of its population.
Next-Generation Digital Identity Takes Shape
According to the Digital Agency’s roadmap, the launch of a newly designed My Number Card that will feature improved encryption capabilities is scheduled for 2029 fiscal year.
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The new version of the card is predicted to offer increased cybersecurity guarantees alongside better support for additional types of public services that can be provided through it digitally. The implementation of such a card is supposed to occur step-by-step due to the need for giving the time to companies to adapt their digital environment.
The new card will be an upgrade to the fast-developing system of the My Number card that is now used for online tax filing, healthcare, updating personal information, and issuing digital driver’s licenses.
Such an improvement will be important in providing the Japanese government with a more solid digital identity framework that would be ready for AI-powered public services.
Smartphones Become the Primary Digital Identity Platform
One of the most significant developments in the roadmap is the continued integration of My Number functionality into smartphones.
Following the launch of digital certificates for Android devices and My Number support on iPhones, the government plans to enable Android smartphones to securely store a user’s name, date of birth, address, gender, and facial photograph beginning around autumn 2026.
This enhancement will allow many identity verification procedures to be completed directly on smartphones without requiring a physical My Number Card.
The government also plans to merge the existing Myna Portal App and Digital Authentication App into a single Myna App, simplifying access to digital government services while creating a more seamless user experience.
AI and Mobile Services Drive Government Innovation
Besides digital identification, another important area outlined in the roadmap is the increasing Japanese interest in the application of artificial intelligence to their public services.
The government intends to incorporate AI agents into the Myna portal by the fiscal year 2029, thereby providing citizens with assistance in the process of administrative procedures via intelligent assistants.
Other aspects include proxy procedures whereby parents/guardians can perform eligible procedures on behalf of children/dependents, alongside the introduction of more online services in multiple governmental agencies.
Furthermore, Japan aims to make progress in developing digital mobile drivers’ licenses that enable citizens to carry and present their driving credentials using only their smartphones.
These projects constitute one of the most radical attempts at the digitalization of public administration made in Japan.
Impact on Japan’s Technology Industry
The digital plan by the government will open up numerous opportunities in Japan’s technology industry.
Need for cybersecurity products, identity verification tools, cloud services, biometric authentication software, AI-based software, mobile applications, and digital government tools will see an upsurge in demand as these sectors undergo upgrades.
Businesses dealing with encryption software, digital identity management, API integration services, cloud computing services, and enterprise software will form a vital part in the process of deployment throughout the country.
Telecommunication companies and smartphone manufacturers will also see benefits from mobile phones being used as platforms for digital identities.
Opportunities for Businesses
Beyond government-related applications, the growth of Japan’s digital identity system can be extended.
Companies like banks, insurers, health care organizations, retail businesses, and FinTech can make onboarding and identity verification easier for themselves and customers by using standardized digital authentication.
Companies are going to minimize paperwork and verification times, providing a good experience for customers through integration of My Number-based authentication in digital platforms.
Finally, the availability of AI-based public services can promote the implementation of AI solutions in customer service, automation of workflow, and digital document management in the corporate world.
At the same time, software developers, systems integrators, and cybersecurity organizations will see new business opportunities helping organizations modernize existing systems and comply with new standards in the sphere of digital identity.
Strengthening Japan’s Digital Economy
Japan’s ongoing investment in digital identity is indicative of a larger approach to increase government efficiency in addition to ensuring competitiveness in the long run.
With increasingly safe and accessible digital services, companies will enjoy benefits such as increased efficiency in their dealings with government agencies, better interoperability of both public and private sector systems, and increased security in online transactions.
The roadmap will also enable Japan to enhance its participation in international cooperation in digital identity, mobile credentials, and digital services.
Building the Foundation for a Digital Future
Undoubtedly, the recent approval of the latest digital policy priorities agenda of Japan should be regarded as one of the pivotal events in the digital progress of this country. Indeed, thanks to this approach, it becomes possible to combine cutting-edge encryption technology, mobile identification technology, AI-powered government services, and digital governance solutions in order to build an appropriate infrastructure for creating a more connected society.
At the same time, for the tech industry, it means that there is a number of opportunities in the sphere of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, GovTech, and digital identification solutions. As a result, the next generation My Number system should definitely become an important part of the digital economy of Japan in the coming years.
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