Recommended Website

back

Government Open Source Software Trials Final Report (UK)
October 2004
This report published by OGC shows the key findings from their activities on the use of Open Source Software.

UK Opens up Criminal Justice System
The UK's Home Office has launched a website aimed at providing a user-friendly guide to the Criminal Justice System for the general public. The system comprises agencies such as the Police, the Courts, the Prison Service, and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Building eGovernment Websites
This website offers helpful tips on eGovernment Websites such as "Understanding eGovernment Websites", "Practical Guidance on eGovernment Websites", "Case Examples" etc.

e-Government in Central Europe - Rethinking Public Administration (PDF)
August 2004
A white paper from the Economist Intelligence Unit sponsored by Oracle
The governments of most new EU members are moving vigorously to shift administrative operations to online platforms.

The Emerging Role of the CIO in the Public Sector (Streaming by RealPlayer)
September 22, 2004
This video-seminar is a World Bank response to the growing interest in many client countries in strengthening e-government leadership and improving ICT coordination within and across government agencies by establishing an institution of the Chief Information Officer at national, subnational and agency levels. It offers country examples, such as US, Canada, Korea, Sri Lanka, Russia, India, Armenia and Brazil.

E-Lanka Development
October 11 2004
The objective of the e-Sri Lanka Development Project is to promote: (i) use o f Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance growth, employment, and equity through affordable access to means of information and communication; (ii) access to and use o f public information and services on-line by citizens and businesses; and (iii) competitiveness of private sector, particularly of knowledge industries and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Global e-Government, 2004
This study conducted by Professor Darrell West (Brown University) presents the fourth annual update on global e-government. Governments are showing steady progress on several important dimensions, but not major leaps forward. On several key indicators, e-government performance is edging up. However, movement forward has not been more extensive in some areas because budget, bureaucratic, and institutional forces have limited the extent to which the public sector has incorporated technology into their mission. The most highly ranked nations include Taiwan, Singapore, United States, Canada, Monaco, China, Australia, Togo, and Germany.
Related Link >> Why Taiwan is number one for e-government

USDA launches e-loan payment service for farmers
In the US, The Agriculture Department has launched an Electronic Loan Deficiency Payment service to let farmers and ranchers request loan deficiency payments online and receive them automatically in their bank accounts, eliminating the need to travel to a USDA service center.

Nebraska to Link Hospitals and Medical Providers Statewide
The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted September 8 to approve an order that authorized the state's Universal Service Fund to support up to $900,000 annually for a plan to link Nebraska's hospitals and medical providers.

Connecting Parliament with the Public (PDF)
26 May 2004
House of Commons Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons
To use ICT to increase public participation in the work of the House, enabling it to draw on the widest possible pool of experience, including particularly those who have traditionally been excluded from the political and parliamentary process.

Information Technology Security Handbook
The World Bank
The Handbook looks at IT Security issues from the perspective of individuals, organizations, governments and technical administrators. Use this Handbook as an adjunct to tutorials and administration guides.

Civic pride driving China e-govt development
July 6, 2004
Public Sector Technology & Management
Estimated at US$4.8 billion, China's market for e-government services depends upon the development of common national standards.

e-Government in Central & Eastern Europe
British Publishers Ltd.
This websites offers the information about technology solutions specifically for Central & Eastern Europe. Supported by the European Union, the region is making progress on Web services, e-learning, e-health, and e-government applications.

Summary Report of the Best Practices Forum of the Americas in E-government (PDF)
Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development of the Organization of American States
The report presented by IACD/OAS is about the forum which offers the opportunity to share lessons and experiences of e-government practices.

Youth Digital Opportunity Competition Winners Announced
Digital Opportunity Channel
Digital Partners is pleased to announce the results of the 2004 Youth Digital Opportunity Competition, which is sponsored by USAID. The top three winners are Pruthvi M from Government High School in Peenya, Bangalore, Aman Lamba from Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sainik Vihar, New Delhi and Mohammad Ameer Hamzah from Kendriya Vidyalaya in Faridabad 2, Haryana.

Freedom of Information and Access to Government Records Around the World (pdf file)
May 2004, David Banisar
This is an ongoing survey of the state of freedom of information in countries which have adopted comprehensive national laws on access.

How Americans Get In Touch With Government (pdf file)
May 24, 2004
Pew Internet & American Life Project
The survey shows Internet users benefit from the efficiency of e-government, but multiple channels are still needed for citizens to reach agencies and solve problems.

Winners of the Stockholm Challenge Award 2004
May 17 2004
Government Technology
The winners of the international Stockholm Challenge Award have been announced. The award is for projects that find innovative ways to use IT and bring benefits to users and society. The winners of E-Government category are Citizen Portal of Mexico and Oregon Helps.

The New Digital Driver License in the US
May 2004
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is now issuing a more secure state driver license to combat the growing national problem of ID fraud. MVC began issuing New Jersey's first generation Digital Driver License (DDL) in mid-January 2004, and has so far issued more than 100,000 DDLs. Click here to see if your local agency is issuing DDL.

eGovernment Leadership: High Performance, Maximum Value
Fifth Annual Accenture eGovernment Study Reveals Governments at a Crossroads
In the 12 months since our last report on global eGovernment maturity, it has become clear that governments around the world are at a crossroads with their online programs. With few exceptions, their advances in eGovernment maturity have slowed.

Asian IT Minister's Summit 2004 - Hyderabad Declaration 2004 -
Recognizing the urgent need to undertake definitive and firm steps to spread the benefits of ICT widely and equitably through increased cooperation at a regional level, we reiterate our resolve to work together on initiatives to promote and strengthen ICT in the region, having due consideration for the needs of the less developed countries. With this shared understanding, we adopt this Hyderabad Declaration.

e-Government Projects in India
This is the list of ICT and e-government projects in India.

Two Generations of Performance Evaluation and Management System in Australia (PDF)
This is the report on Australian performance evaluation systems to improve transparency effectiveness.

Local Government Reform Project - Public Hearings (PDF)
This report provides one of the possible tools for improving citizen participation in Macedonia.

Accenture and MIT Announce Digital Government Award Winners
March 24 2004
Accenture and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the winners of their fifth annual Digital Government Awards. 2004 winners and awards are the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's myPay system, the state of North Carolina's NC E-Procurement, New York City's the 311 Citizen Service Center and Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles' Certified Copies of Driving Records.

Egypt's e-Government Portal
Egypt launched its official e-government portal with the support of Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. This site provides government services and information in in Arabic and English. 700 government services are expected to be online by the year 2007.

mGovernment: Mobile/Wireless Applications in Government
eGovernment for Development
The website offers useful information on m-government such as definitions, guidance, models/examples, etc.

South African Government Services
March 2004
This website is the test version of e-government gateway portal in the South African government. It provides citizens, businesses and foreign visitors the information on government services.

E-Crime Study
Partnership Policing for the Information Society
The study shows the situation on E-Crime and the keys to protect and reduce the vulnerable such as the education of small firms on the risks.

World Public Sector Report 2003 - e-Government at the Crossroads (pdf file)
Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations
This is the report provides a number of case studies of e-government and shows tips about success of egovernment projects.

The Italian Initiative on E-Government for Development (zip file)
This is the introductions of the Italian Initiative on E-Government for development. The document consists of the main aspects of the Italian Initiative on e-Government for development, the main enabling factors to be considered, the main components of the e-Model (Application, Architecture, Service Channels, Information Infrastructure, Regulation) , E-government Methodology etc.

New Hampshire license renewal service
New Hampshire in the US launched new online services to allow professionals like engineers to register and renew their license quickly and easily. Japan can learn its accessibility and usability from this online service.

Research Challenges in e-Government
December, 2003
This is the report on e-Government research in Europe to understand what the significant research challenges in e-Government are for the coming years.

The National Strategy for Local e-Government: One year on
Information for local government in the UK
This report examines the progress made in the first year of the local e-Government national strategy. It also looks at the risks to the program and suggests useful measures to avoid or minimize the risks.

The e-Government Imperative - Main Findings (PDF)
Many useful lessons on egovernment from current experience in OECD. How to collaborate more effectively across agencies to address complex, shared problems, how to enhance customer focus and how to build relationships with private sector partners.

Singapore - Strategies for e-Government (pdf file)
November 2003
We recognise that we do not have all the answers. We will continue to consult our stakeholders on how they would like their country’s technological future to take shape. We also welcome exchanges with other governments on best practices and plans. It is anybody’s guess how the next IT revolution will take shape. But we in Singapore believe that the best is yet to be.

E-Governance to E-Democracy: examining the evolution
June 9, 2003
This is the Final paper in a series of five reports assessing international developments in the policies and public administration issues now driving e-government, e-governance and e-democracy.

Government Online A National Perspective 2003 Germany (PDF)
TNS market research institute
Only about 26% of the German population uses e-government options.

Government Online Study 2003 (powerpoint file)
Taylor Nelson Sofres
The report provides global and national benchmarks relating to citizen uptake of government services.

Growing Leaders for Public Service
The Business of Government
It includes two reports; next generation of public service executives and best practices. The reports suggest how well the federal government is developing its next generation of leaders.

The Legal and Market Aspects of Electronic Signatures (pdf)
Legal and market aspects of the application of Directive 1999/93/EC and practical applications of electronic signatures in the Member States, the EEA, the Candidate and the Accession countries.

Grants.gov
December, 2003
Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a grants portal that contains information about finding and applying for all federal grant programs.

M-Government: The Convergence of Wireless Technologies and e-Government (PDF)
National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council
Wireless technologies will improve public access to government information and services and also enable government workers.

World Public Sector Report 2003 “E-government at the Crossroads”
United Nations (November , 2003)
It includes an analysis of the status of e-government in the world today with a global ranking of Member States as to their e-government readiness. Treating e-government as a tool that facilitates creation of public value by public administration can substantially add to this value and positively impact human development.

Public Sector Health Information Systems
eGovernment for Development
The webpage is about using ICTs to support public sector health systems in developing/transitional economies. It offers useful questions and answers for e-government practitioners.

The future of e-democracy: lessons from Canada
Digital Opportunity Channel (13/11/2003)
E-democracy is more than a tool of efficiency, customer service or good public relations. Offering options to citizens is good; asking citizens to participate in building new options seems much better.

E-gov projects need more collaboration
Government Computer News (11/12/2003)
The General Accounting Office said e-government initiatives must improve their collaboration with their agency partners for their projects to be successful. Established a collaborative management structure, maintained collaborative relationships, allocated resources, facilitated communication, adopted standards are necessary.

Government Use of Electronic Technologies Spreading
United Nations (03/11/2003)
A United Nations report on "online government”says security and privacy issues can discourage use of egovernment. It is also expected that the Internet will work as a means of advancing and consolidating transparency and democracy into the overall practice of public administration.

Checklist for e-Government Leaders (PDF)
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published a Policy Brief analysing the characteristics and success factors of "e-government leadership".

Enhancing Economic Competitiveness Through e-Government
Deloitte Research Public Sector Study
October, 2003
This study focused on "Citizen Advantage" which improve business productivity and people's quality of life. It also includes a new model of Return on Investment (ROI).

Central authentication gateway plan is history
Government Computer News in Oct. 27, 2003
E-Authentication is moving in a new technical direction that is not centered around the development of a gateway.

The Role of e-Government for Europe's Future (PDF; September 2003)
Report from the European Commission about the role of e-government for Europe's future. It includes 18 actions to increase the development of e-government across Europe and resistance and barriers faced in developing e-government.

e-Korea 2003 (PDF; September 2003)
Report on various issues related to the Internet in South Korea such as Internet trends, statistics, market prospects, and resources etc.

e-Government Readiness Assessment Methodology
UNPAN-DPEPA/Knowledge Management Branch in September 2003.
This is a draft e-Government Readiness Assessment Methodology by UNDESA. The Methodology offers a menu of complementary surveys which measure aspects of e-government readiness from the perspective of central government, government agencies/departments and broader society.

The Center for Competitive Government
by Temple University (USA)
This is an E-Government Database to share the innovations in e-government all over the U.S. The following categories are available in searching information: arts, business development, communication, constituent services, consumer information, education, environmental information, GIS, GPS, healthcare, identification, law enforcement, online database, operations, planning, procurement, public safety, social services, surveillance, telemedicine, tourism.

eMarketer Releases Government Online Report
23 July 2003
Key findings: Government IT budgets are expected to increase, Improving customer satisfaction with online government services is the leading factor driving e-government initiatives, Percentage of Internet users engaged in transactions with public administrations is equal to the share making purchases online, People of both genders and all ages around the world continue to harbor serious reservations about interacting with their governments over the Internet because of their privacy concern, etc.

Guidelines for the Initiation of e-Government Pilot Projects (PDF file)
Department of Finance and Personnel Central Procurement Directorate in the UK
This guidelines show a number of criteria for e-Government pilot projects about concept, technology, usability and business case.

e-Government and Indigenous Peoples; Best Practice from Canada
Development Gateway in July 2003
How e-government helps Indigenous Peoples to discuss ideas and share information, sell products and services via Internet and promote Aboriginal culture and legacy.

GSA outlines four e-authentication assurance levels
July 10, 2003. Government Computer News
The General Services Administration will ask agencies to adopt four assurance levels for electronic authorization for e-government by the end of 2004. The assurance levels are (1)Little or no assurance, (2)Probable user’s identification, (3)High degree of confidence authentication and (4)the utmost confidence authentication.

Action Plan to Promote Online Government in Finland 2002-2003 (PDF file)
The report about Online Government in Finland which defines the concepts and aims of online government, review the present status of online services. Proposals are also made for carrying out and coordinating projects for online government.
Related Link >> eFinland

Spanish e-Government Action Plan (espanol :pdf file)
May, 2003
Vision and plan for e-Government in Spain.

Using ICTs for Government Transparency
eGovernment for Development
The website is about using information and communication technologies to promote government transparency in developing/transitional economies.

E-Government in South Korea
June 2003. Development Gateway
The latest information on South Korean E-Government. E-government is recognized as one of the most critical factors to strengthen national competitiveness. The vision of e-government in Korea is to increase productivity and transparency through the strategic use of information technology. By 2006, public services across government agencies will be accessible online.

“Digitally Integrating the Government Supply Chain: E-Procurement, E-Finance, and E-Logistics”
The Business of Government
This report shows how the federal government could "digitally integrate" its supply chain and how could implement e-procurement, e-finance, and e-logistics.

Indiana Creates One-Stop Social Services Program
Government Technology (May 30, 2003)
Case introduction of a virtual Web-based one-stop service of Indiana state in the US. It touches 20 programs across eight state and local agencies.

e-government: Electronic access to public services
EU Information Society (eEurope)
eEurope proposes online access to government and Commission services, fast-track procedures to set up a company and wider use of electronic signatures and open source software. Action Plan, Benchmarking, News & Library, etc.

Land/Property Registration in Andhra Pradesh in India
World Bank's e-government
Case study on how to simplify the process, to bring speed, efficiency, consistency and reliability and to improve citizen-government interfaces by using IT.

E-government Transparency
E-Government Handbook
Transparency is essential in E-government and citizens must be able to understand how government decisions are made. Case study, Recommendations, Resources, etc.

Citizen Service Centers in Bahia, Brazil
New Public Sector Governance
Introduction of single location services which bring together all kind of agencies. It focused on the services citizens most frequently need and use and shows the possibility to bring about tremendous improvements in the quality and efficiency of government services without significant back end reengineering.

E-gov proponents say the barriers remain the same
Government Computer News (May 14, 2003)
E-government agencies are facing the many of the same cultural, organizational and communication barriers, according to a panel of e-government program managers.

Estonia - Official State Web Center
An integrated portal for information and services of all government institutions in Estonia. Persons and Offices, Eurointegration, Forms, Registers, Funds, Law acts, Various, How to create? are available as www-services.

The Need to Know eCorruption and Unmanaged Risk (PDF file)
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Mar.15, 2001)
This is a kind of guidance to assist public sector agencies to identify eCorruption risks and possible responses including ten common eCrime and eCorruption opportunities, risk management strategies, etc.
Related Link >> ICAC - eCorruption

eGovernment Resource Centre (Australia)
The Victorian Government's repository of e-government resources. It includes Top 5 Online Services, Service Assistant, Topic and subtopic headings including Life Events, and A-Z Indexes by Service Provider and by Service.

African Governments on the Internet
Links of African Governments.

La Modernizicacion de la Administracion Tributaria Mexicana - El e-SAT (Powerpoint file)
Powerpoint presentation in Spanish on the development, implementation, and impact of Mexico's online tax service; the e-SAT.

U.S. Government to OK Online Immigration Applications
Apr, 25 2003. Government Technology
The department's Bureau for Citizenship and Immigration Services will start accepting online applications on May 29.
Related Link >> Bureau for Citizenship and Immigration Services

Profiles of Electronic Government Procurement Systems
Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (April 28, 2003)
This paper is to contribute to the analysis of electronic government procurement mechanisms in the world and to identify best practices in this area.

E-government strategies and implementation
The National Office for the Information Economy in Australia
This website provides a framework for E-government and coordinates whole of Australia's government approaches to support Commonwealth agency efforts in this area.

Best practices and projects from across Europe
by EU Interchange of Data between Administrations
Case Studies on egovernment projects in Europe.

e-Government in Russia 2002 (PDF file)
Development Gateway
A report gives an outline of Russian Federal Target Program “e-Russia” which includes challenges related to the implementation of the program.

Feasibility Study for Candidate e-Government Services (PDF file) (January, 2003)
A study to assess the business and technical feasibility of delivering a number of e-government.

eGovernment Leadership: Engaging the Customer
Accenture (April, 2003)
The study of global eGovernment maturity shows the current trends and innovative practices in eGovernment. Today's trends are successive plateaus, Return on Investment, CRM, Driving up usage and New eGovernment targets. Determining which services should be online is more important in consideration of a real return on investment and service effectiveness or efficiency.

Vietnam’s ICT Enabling Environment:Policy, Infrastructure and Applications (PDF file)
The report based on an assessment of Vietnam’s“E-Readiness” by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) includes ICT assessment and recommendations for priority government actions and strategic donor assistance.

The Singapore e-Government Action Plan
The vision is to be a leading eGovernment to better serve Singapore and Singaporeans in the new knowledge-based economy. The plan has five strategic thrusts; Pushing the envelope of electronic service delivery, Building new capability and new capacity, Innovating with infocomm technologies, Anticipating to be proactive, sensing to be responsive and Developing thought leadership on eGovernment.

Digital Governance Project in Brazil (PDF file)
A strategic medium for democracy and citizenship in e-gov based on the concept which the implementation of an e-Gov project or action will provide better opportunities and benefits available in democratic systems.

E-Government: Impact on Transparency and Anti-corruption (Development Gateway)
Conference report on the Impact of the e-Government Applications on Transparency and Anti-corruption including public financial management, customs, taxation, online information dissemination, procurement, and service delivery.

e-Government Country View: Bulgaria (Development Gateway)
The vision for e-government in Bulgaria is to provide modern and efficient governance by using ICT to meet the real needs of citizens and businesses at any time and any place. Bulgaria's e-gov is developed in collaboration with governmental and educational institutions, NGO’s and the private sector. The government is establishing laws about e-document and e-signature, access to public information, protection of personal data, protection of classified information, etc. to support and progress their egov-strategy.

e-Governance Strategy for India (December 2002)
This is the E-Governance Strategy White Paper in India which suggests various institutions for IT Interoperability, Universal access to information, Research and Development, Training and Coaching of Human resources, PKI, etc and recognizes various legislative gaps.
Related Link:e-Governance Action Plan for India

IT Outsourcing: A Primer for Public Managers (PDF file)
Business of Government - IBM Endowment
A report that assess the potential of using application service providers (ASPs) for improving and streamlining public information and service delivery in order to reduce cost and keep up with fast-pace technological changes.

Electronic Government Act in the US (Dec. 2002)
The Act is to enhance the management and promotion of electronic government services and processes by establishing a Federal CIO within the Office of Management and Budget, and by establishing a broad framework of measures that require using Internet-based information technology to enhance citizen access to government information and services.

Government on the Web
by LSE Public Policy Group and the UCL School of Public Policy
Information and reports on the UK's e-government such as the progress in implementing e-government in central and local government in the UK, the research of central and local government Web sites.

Better Services, Better Government: Australia Federal Government's eGovernment Strategy
National Office for the Information Economy, November 2002
The strategy for the next phase of the federal government’s egovernment which steps from placing government information and services online to more comprehensive and integrated application of new technologies to government information, service delivery and administration.

Benchmarking e-Government: a Global Perspective (PDF file)
A research study on global egovernment by ASPA and UNDPEPA. This study analyzed the approach, progress and commitment on the part of the 190 UN Member States bylooking into government websites and statistics on ICT infrastructure and human capital capacity.

The Global e-Government Outlook (PDF file; Source: McConnell)
The report based on responses to a questionnaire sent to the international experts from government, non-governmental-organizations, and businesses participating in "Implementing E-Government”from over 35 countries. It says that more efforts are needed to monitor, evaluate, assess, and measure e-government results.

e-Governance Strategy for India (Word document file)
The E-Governance Strategy White Paper in India focusing on the relationship and application of information, knowledge, information systems and ICT in the process of government.

The E-Government Handbook for Developing Countries (PDF file)
The Center for Democracy and Technology November 2002
This is a guidebook for developing countries to present e-government models and resources, focused on success stories in the developing world.

Government Online Study 2002
Taylor Nelson Sofres
The report including interviews with over 29,000 individuals across 31 countries which provides benchmarks relating to citizen use of government services online and perceptions of safety when providing personal information to Government. The results on Japan are very interesting and characteristic.

Issues Affecting Internet Use in Afghanistan and Developing Countries in the Middle East
(RAND) The fundamental issues affecting the use of ICT such as the Internet in developing (Islamic) countries in the Middle East. Focused questions are social and cultural factors to the "digital divide", promotion the use of ICT in the Middle East, etc.
Related Link >> e-Government & Technology Middle East

Electronic ID card to start trials next year
Bangkok Post Wednesday 20 November 2002 -
Smartcard (IC card with a small computer) will be introduced to store personal data such as the card holder's name, address, date of birth, blood type and other vital medical information by next April in Thailand.

e-Visa - Republic of Armenia Electronic Visa System
Online service to apply for and receive a visa of Armenia electronically. Applications for e-Visas can be submitted and verified online and will be approved and issued within two business days.

BundOnline 2005 - Aims and progress made
The e-government initiative of the German Federal Government. The objective is all services of the federal administration will be available online by 2005.

Office of the e-Envoy: DTV Framework Policy
A draft of digital television (DTV) policy framework for delivering e-government services to the home in order to support the UK government’s objective of the delivery of e-government services by 2005.

“State Government E-Procurement in the Information Age: Issues, Practices, and Trends”
(Endowment for The Business of Government)
The report to show how Information Technology contributes to the effectiveness of government procurement management. Web Technology, Digital Signature, Online Bidding and Reverse Auction, Electronic Ordering, Automated Procurement Systems, Assessment of Systems’Effectiveness, etc. It is very interesting to see the horizontal and vertical integrations by state-local collaboration.

E-Democracy Resources - Links Compiled by Steven Clift
Online resources with links and announcements related to e-democracy.

Cases of eGovernment Success and Failure from Developing/Transitional Countries: List
eGov4Dev:Useful Studies of Success and Failure Case. Application, Stakeholders, Costs and Benefits, Evaluation, Enablers/Critical Success Factors, Recommendations, etc.

The Impact of eGovernment Failure
eGov4Dev:About the impact of failure in e-government projects. Potential costs and benefits of eGovernment failure, learning approach to failures, etc.

E-Government Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Development Gateway: Draft e-government concept paper of Kyrgyzstan on August 21st, 2002.

Japan

back

Survey of the Websites of ECOM Member Companies and Organizations Conducted on their Response to Personal Information Protection
October 31,2004
The ECOM Personal Data Protection Working Group has continuously carried out the survey on the responses to personal information protection since the fiscal year 2002. The survey results cover Privacy Policy and Privacy Mark.
Related Link >> Privacy Mark System

Manual for Market Entry into Japanese Telecommunications Business As of May 2004
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
The manual includes Outline of Telecommunications Business System, Procedures for Telecommunications Business, Radio Station License, Business Agreements with Foreign Governments, Technical Conditions, etc.

Anime ? Japan's Animated Pop Culture
Articles about Japanimation.

Basic Concept on IT International Policy Centered on Asia (PDF)
September 10, 2004
IT Strategic Headquarters
It is necessary for Japan to promote international cooperation measures relating to IT in a priority manner using its achievements and technological and system strengths and to make a positive contribution to the building of an advanced information and telecommunications network society in the whole of Asia through Japan’s initiative.

Intellectual Property Strategic Program 2004
May 27, 2004
Intellectual Property Policy Headquarters
The program consists of Development of a Foundation for the Creation of Intellectual Property, Promoting the Creation of Intellectual Property at Universities and Public Research Institutes, Promoting the Creation of High-Quality Intellectual Property, Strengthening the Protection of Intellectual Property, Measures Against Counterfeits and Pirated Copies, Support for International Standardization Activities, Developing Human Resources and Improving Public Awareness, etc.

MIC sets up Study Group on a Framework to Handle Spam
October 5, 2004
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is setting up a Study Group on a Framework to Handle Spam in order to investigate the measures that are necessary to control and prevent the flow of spam.

Demand for Budgetary Appropriations 2005 for eGovernment and eCommerce
This is the rough estimate of Budget 2005 for "the Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society" based on the investigation by Cabinet Secretariat. The number is possible to be changed.

New Measures against Violation of Human Rights on the Internet
August 23, 2004
MPHPT has been made aware of recent problems with infringements of human rights such as the numerous postings on Internet bulletin boards of the names and photographs of young assailants in murder cases. In order to address these problems, MPHPT has been examining since April methods for providers and the like to delete smoothly information that infringes on human rights, along with the Civil Liberties Bureau of the Ministry of Justice and telecommunications carrier organizations.

Saitama Prefecture chose Adobe as Electronic Application Service (Japanese)
Adobe Systems Inc. announced Saitama Prefecture adopted Adobe Intelligent Document Platform based on Adobe PDF as the electronic application service corresponding to the public individual authentication (digital signature). The e-application starts from August 2nd, 2004 and offers online application and notification procedure of Saitama Prefecture. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has already started the electronic application services using Adobe PDF on March 28, 2003.

Interim Report on Results of "Verification Experiments on Copyright Clearance System"
MPHPT Communications News
August 2, 2004
MPHPT has been conducting a three-year plan since FY2002 for the "development and verification on copyright clearance systems (verification experiments on copyright clearance systems)" in cooperation with broadcasters, copyright-holder organizations and so on. By creating an environment for the formation of the content distribution market, this plan aims to promote the production and distribution of content over the broadband networks as well as to facilitate the complex and varied copyright clearance in video content distribution including broadcast programming. MPHPT has recently compiled the results of verification experiments carried out in FY2003.

MPHPT invites comments concerning interim report from the study group for a framework on digitization of contracts for government procurement
July 23, 2004
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications set up a study group for a framework on digitization of contracts for government procurement (except for public works) (chaired by Prof. TAGAYA Kazuteru, Chiba University) on September 2, 2003, to investigate a framework on digitization of contracts for government procurement formalities. The study group has recently compiled its interim report.

e-Government and Business Collaboration Working Group
July 23, 2004
ECOM Journal No.6
The e-Government and Business Collaboration Working Group examined the electronic government services conducted by the central and local governments from the user's point of view and made proposals on the ideal e-government, based on the comparative study on electronic administrative services between Japan and other countries and the result of the interviews of the officials of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, economic and industrial bureaus at the local municipalities, and local companies.

HP received an order of the electronic bid system in Nagano Prefecture (Japanese)
Japan Hewlett-Packard received the order of the electronic bid system of Nagano Prefecture at the end of March, 2004. Japan HP will customize the e-bid system of the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunication to meet the requirements from Nagano Prefecture. The e-bid system of MPHPT was build by Japan HP in 2002 and is distributed to the central and local governments free of charge. Joining local companies to the project and entrusting the maintenance and management of future system to them , Japan HP will try to contribute to the activation of local industries.

First Government Research on Progress of Egovernment (Japanese, pdf file)
June 9, 2004
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications conducted the research on the progress of egovernment projects in central government. The scope of research is especially about online services including transaction with citizen and enterprises like e-filing, e-application, e-authentication, e-notice, etc. Almost all procedures are online now but 33% of those needs offline process such as mailing attached papers. The use of online services represents high percentages:81.9% in the old type and private line services. But there is only 0.7% users in the newest internet e-application system.

Japanese town establishes e-govt network
July 01, 2004. Public Sector Technology & Management
Kadena town, located on the Japanese southern island of Okinawa, has selected an enterprise network solution to secure its e-government network. Kadena is small but one of the advanced information-oriented town in Okinawa under the Multimedia Town Plan.

WG General Meeting on the Cooperation between Electronic Administration and Businesses
April 30, 2004
ECOM Newsletter No. 46
The meeting report shows the summaries of "Electronic Administration Services in South Korea", "E-Government in China", "Portals for Cooperation between the Public and Private Sector and Integration of EA" etc.

e-Government Construction Plan Renewed (Japanese)
June 15, 2004
Ministries and Agencies CIO Council revised " the e-Government Construction Plan" promoting the use of government online services. They are going to focus on how they can lead the citizens to their online services.

"e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2004" was decided
June 15, 2004
The 26th meeting of the IT Strategic Headquarters was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and the "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2004" was decided. The program shows policies to be intensively implemented so as to ensure that the objective for 2005 will be achieved, including five areas on which the Government concentrates, such as e-government and security policies, and seven areas closely related and vital to the daily lives of the people such as medical care and food.

The investigation report on the actual condition and market scale about the electronic commerce in 2004 (Japanese)
June 11, 2004
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
The electronic commerce in 2003 reached 77 trillion yen in Business to Business (67% increase compared with last year) and 4.4 trillion yen in Business to Consumer (65% increase compared with last year).

Privacy Protection Guideline about Electronic Tag
June 8, 2004
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
From a viewpoint of privacy protection of consumer, this guideline suggests careful consideration and information disclosure in using Electronic Tag (RFID:Radio Frequency IDentification). It consists of the display of being equipped with the electronic tag, Reservation of the final option of the consumer about reading of an electronic tag, Information gathering in the case of recording personal information in an electronic tag, and restriction of use, Installation of an information administrator, Explanation and information offer to consumer, etc.

Report of "Study Group on Mobile Number Portability" Released
May 28, 2004
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Since November 2003, MPHPT has been holding the "Study Group on Mobile Number Portability" with the objective of deliberating upon mobile number portability (MNP). The report shows User needs, MNP in other countries, Effects and impacts of introducing MNP, Cost-benefit analysis/assessment, Procedures for introduction, etc.

Draft of "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2004" (Japanese)
May 21, 2004. Cabinet Secretariat
IT Strategic Headquarters released the draft of "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2004" with "e-Government Construction Plan Amendment" to ask public comments. After the consideration of the comments, government will adopt this program in June 2004. The draft consists of
[1] Acceleration 5field
[2] Guidance-7 fields
[3] Infrastructure
[4] The preliminary moves towards in 2006 and afterwards
[5] Important policy 5 field
[6] Subjects across boundaries
[7] The amendment proposal of electronic government construction plan
[8} Attached material

Establishment of the Telecommunications Business Dispute Settlement Commission's Website
May 25, 2004
The Telecommunications Business Dispute Settlement Commission, which is independent of the department in charge of issuing approval of telecommunications carrier's business, is a body established to ensure prompt, smooth and fair dispute resolutions between telecommunications carriers.

Major Aspects of Japan's Broadcasting Policy
April 2004
Information and Communications Policy Bureau in Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
In Japan, satellite digital multi-channel broadcasting services started in June 1996 and include various types of new programming and services. Terrestrial digital broadcasting was started in parts of the three major metropolitan areas of Kanto, Chukyo and Kinki in December 2003.

ECOM-JIPDEC Joint Forum 2004
March 31, 2004
ECOM Newsletter No. 45
The report of "ECOM-JIPDEC Joint Forum 2004" shows E-commerce trends such as Electronic Tags, Electronic Government, Mobile Internet, ebXML, EDI, Protection of Personal Information, Security Measures, Electronic Authentication, e-Procurement, etc.

Tokyo start Internet Public Auction (Japanese)
April, 2004
Tokyo Metropolitan Government will start Internet Public Auction on trial in the middle of July, 2004. The "Internet public auction system" using " Yahoo! Japan auction" sells movable property and cars, such as pictures and antique art objects. In addition to Yahoo JAPAN ID and user registration, The credit card number registration is necessary to bid a price for the auction goods. The government expects more bidders and higher price.

The cyber- prefectural office started in Toyama (Japanese)
April, 2004
Toyama prefecture started the "e-Toyama.net" to improve government service and increase efficiency of its administration. The "e-Toyama.net" consists of Electronic Application Service, Government Information Portal in collaboration with cities, towns and villages and New Document Management System. Twenty among 47 prefectures offers Electronic Application Services as of May, 2004.

Communications Usage Trend Survey in 2003 Compiled
April 28, 2004
MPHPT has compiled the Communications Usage Trend Survey as of the end of CY2003 in order to grasp the usage trends in telecommunications and broadcasting services within households (households and households members), offices (establishments) and companies (enterprises).

Principles of Personal Information Protection (Japanese; pdf file)
Social Policy Bureau in Cabinet Office
April 2, 2004
Based on the 7th article of "the Law concerning protection of personal information" which will take full effect from April 1, 2005, government announced the statement of principles about protection of personal information. The principles includes the basic idea of protection of personal data in public and private sectors, international cooperation, promotion of public relations and education, etc.

The announcement of the investigation study group report about Secure Operating System(Japanese)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
April 28, 2004
In consideration of using open source systems in electronic government, the ministry established the investigation study group on this issue. The study report suggests that

" In order to supply the information system which is easy to use and keep information security level the limitation of operation systems is unsuitable. It is appropriate to bid competitively by the comprehensive evaluation system which will check the function and quality required for the information system introduced."

The study group also offers the check list for selecting the operation systems.

Japan's Government Procurement: Policy and Achievements Annual Report (FY 2003 version)
- Toward Government Procurement Open to the World -
The report consist of Stipulations on Japanese Government Procurement and Voluntary Measures on Government Procurement, Government Procurement Figures for 2001, Recent Trend around Government Procurement and Attachments including Standard Guide for Procurement of Telecommunications Equipment and Services, Computer Products and Services, Supercomputers, etc.

MPHPT issued an administrative order against violator of the Anti-Spam Law
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
April 16, 2004
Advertising emails are required to meet the criteria of the Anti-Spam Law.

Map Creation Support Service for Electronic Application (Japanese)
March 29, 2004. Geographical Survey Institute
Geographical Survey Institute started the map creation support service which can be used for online application of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport jurisdiction. The service is based on the "electronic government construction plan", and users can create a map required for government applications easily on the website. On the other hand, government agencies can check the map applied using this service.

Reexamination of Government Procurement for Information System (Japanese)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
March 30, 2004
Realizing the high quality e-government, the procurement system was reconsidered again as follows.

1. Reexamination of Evaluation Systems
(1) Price evaluation in life cycle cost base
(2) Reexamination of the division system in comprehensive evaluation
(3) Promotion of practical use of the low price-tendered investigation system
(4) Promotion of the official announcement on bid results
(5) Enhancing technical evaluation
(6) Enhancing the punishment policy to unfair dealings

2. Reexamination of Bid Participating Systems
(1) Flexible employment of competitive bid participating qualification
(2) Grant of the competitive bid qualification to joint ventures
(3) Promotion of supply from small-and-medium-sized-enterprises

3. Rationalization of Supply Management
(1) Improving the ability of government side
(2) Rationalization of the contract system
(3) Clarifying the responsibility of public and private sectors by the contract
(4) Rationalization of supply process management
(5) Sharing and analyzing the information of supply example

Overseas Trend of EC - the 35th ECOM Seminar -
February 27, 2004
ECOM Newsletter No. 44
The U.S. E-commerce Trend in 2004, The Current Status of E-commerce in Vietnam, Trend and Examples of Procurement Tasks, BtoBtoC for Logistics etc.

Guidelines for Consumer Protection Rules in Telecommunications Business Law
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
March 5, 2004
For improving consumer protection, the governments announced guidelines that explain the objectives and contents of the provisions in the law and related ministerial ordinances. The guidelines is expected to help telecommunications business operators understand and follow the consumer protection rules.

Database on Japanese Regional Tourism Resources
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
March 2004
This website introduces various aspects of Japan all over the country and offer the most up-to-the-date information for making travel plans to Japan.

Information Security Policy and Privacy Protection in Local Governments (Japanese)
February 20, 2004
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
This is the result of the research on the situation of the information security policy and the ordinance of privacy protection in municipal corporations as of January 1st, 2004.
All prefectures:
- Information Security Policy is ready in 46 organizations (97.9%) in 47 organizations.
- Ordinance of privacy protection, all 47 organizations. (100.0%)
Cities, wards, towns, and villages:
- Information Security Policy, 1,802 organizations (56.3%) in 3,199 organizations.
- Ordinance of privacy protection, 2,521 organizations. (78.8%) in 3,199 organizations.
The research will be continued every 4 half years, and to be released.

Summary of Computer Virus / Unauthorized Computer Access Incident Report
February 18, 2004
Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA)
In January, 1,323 Computer Virus Incident reports were submitted to IPA, and the number decreased consecutively compared from November (1,786 reports) and December (1,452 reports), 2003. About Unauthorized Computer Access Incident, 28 reports were submitted to IPA in January 2004 and the number of damaged reports were 8. The Information-technology SEcurity Center (ISEC) is a public information sharing center for promoting information security in Japan.

"APT Regional Forum for ICT Experts in South-East Asia" Held
-- Meeting the Challenges on Digital Gaps Approaching e-Government --
February 4 and 5, 2004.
This Seminar was convened to i) review the current status of ICT development in the South-East Asian region and socioeconomic impacts thereon, ii) exchange opinions on development of various applications such as e-governments, etc. and iii) discuss on ICT development in the future and measures for dissolving the digital divide.

Japan’s First Survey on the State of Electronic Commerce in SMEs
ECOM Newsletter No. 43 in January 30, 2004
ECOM conducted a questionnaire survey focused on the state of Ecommerce among SMEs(Small and Middle Enterprises) for the first time in Japan. Among the companies covered by the survey, the EC adoption for purchasing was 35% and EC for sales was 70%.

Electronic Tax Filing System Start (Japanese)
Electronic Tax Filing started in February 2nd, 2004 in Aichi, Shizuoka, Mie and Gifu, the four prefectures. Taxpayers need paper-based registration, CD-ROM software and digital certificates. People also can pay their tax by "Multipayment Network" (MPN) which provides citizens real-time payment service through various ways such as ATM of bank or post office, mobilephone, personal computer, etc.

Presentation of Case Studies on Effective e-Procurement
The 4th Enterprise IT Working Group Workshop
ECOM Newsletter No42
The Enterprise IT Working Group has been holding the workshops to assess trends, effectiveness, factors of success in e-procurement, and future issues and prospects, by inviting guest speakers from business enterprises with experience in effective e-procurement.

The 23rd Meeting of the IT Strategic Headquarters
Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
Friday, February 6, 2004
The meeting of the IT Strategic Headquarters was held and the "Policy Package to accelerate the e-Japan Strategy II" was decided. This Package defined the target date for the implementation of the policies in six areas including promotion of e-government and e-local government.

Public Authentication Service for Individuals Start (Japanese)
Prefectural Association for JPKI
January 29, 2004
Public Authentication Service for Individuals (JPKI) started January 29, 2004. The service offers digital certificates to Japanese citizens by local governments. People can use online government services such as electronic tax declaration by their certificates and digital signatures. The certificate is protected securely in Resident Registration Card (smart card).

ECOM Newsletter No. 41
November 28, 2003
News about Wireless IC Tags and Mobile Electronic Payment.

Comprehensive Strategy on Information Security (December 16, 2003)
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
With the use of IT as social infrastructure and the emergence of risks in new dimensions, the "Comprehensive Strategy on Information Security" will be launched not merely as a defensive approach in reducing risks but in order to utilize Japan's strengths in safety and security for the purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of the Japanese economy and boosting national security comprehensively.

The Establishment of Japan Open Source Software Promotion Forum
Nov. 14, 2003
This forum was held to bring together Japanese information systems users, vendors, and academics, and will foster the open debate of issues related to Open Source Software.

Central and Local Government Meeting for Promotion of Electronic Administration (Japanese)
October 24, 2003
According to "the e-Government Construction Plan", people who are in charge of electronic government practice in central and local government had a meeting for sharing their information.

ECOM Journal No.6
This journal is a periodical report on the activities of the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council of Japan (ECOM). It shows summaries of each Working Group such as Consumer Protection, Authentication/Notary, Security, Business Model, Mobile EC, e-Government, Legal Issues etc.

Analysis of IT Impacts on Japanese Business Organization
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (November 18, 2003)
Research and results on the use and influence of ICTs in Japanese business organization. The report says it is important that managers themselves understand IT as a managerial issue and that employees and managers work on the utilization of information through IT in a unified way.

Online Information Disclosure started in Okayama City (Japanese)
Okayama City launched online service "e-Information Disclosure Room" where citizen could ask for indication of official documents, reference of official documents lists, and reading of regular public presentation documents or indication documents. People can also learn about official information disclosure system and personal data protection system.
Related Link >> Okayama City Official Website

ECOM Newsletter No. 39
September 30, 2003
"ECOM Forum in Kansai" took place in Osaka City on August 28. They presented their Working Group activities such as Mobile EC Services, B2B EC and E-Marketplaces, Electronic Certificate Uses, E-Government Services, etc.

Outline of "Guidelines for Radio Spectrum Reallocation"
MPHPT Communications News
October 31, 2003
Based on the report entitled the "mid- to long-term outlook of radio spectrum use and roles of the government", MPHPT developed the guidelines to realize a ubiquitous network society through wireless broadband environment.

Juki Net Passed Security Test (Japanese)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
October 17, 2003
Government had penetration tests on the Jyuki Net (Basic Residential Registers Network System) to confirm its security. Crowe Chizek and Company LLC conducted the tests and reported any vulnerability couldn't be found but there is room for improvement. Based on the report, government will take several measures to maintain and improve the security.
Related Link: Information Network Systems for e-Government in Japan

ECOM Newsletter No.38
Aug. 29, 2003
The newsletter is about the seminar titled ”e-Municipality & e-Government Services.” The seminar offered the information on e-Government Services in Canada, E-Government Services in South Korea and the E-Government Construction Plan in Japan.

Interpretative Guidelines on Electronic Commerce (PDF:283KB)
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Home Page
October 16, 2003 (issued in Japanese on June 13, 2003)
This is the revised version of the guidelines for electronic commerce in Japan. The objective of the guidelines is to show how various legal problems will be handled under the Civil Code and other laws related to electronic commerce and to make transactions more highly predictable and easier to execute. Online transactions and information property trading are the main subject. Problems about internet auctions are newly added.

Promotion of the IT Revolution and Electronic Government (PDF:947KB)
Commerce and Information Policy Bureau of METI in Nov. 2002
Summary of Electronic Government in Japan.

eGovernment Guideline for Local Government (Japanese: PDF file)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Local Administration Bureau
Based on "the e-Japan Strategy II" and "the e-Government Construction Plan", egovernment guideline for local government was released in August 2003. The guideline fixes "Citizen Satisfaction", "Simple and Efficient Administration" and "Active Local Economy" as their goals. It covers online service, cooperative outsourcing, effective strategy, information security, privacy, digital divide, etc.

"Study Group on Advanced Use of Electronic Tags in the Age of Ubiquitous Networks" Compiles Interim Report
MPHPT Communications News Vol.14 in September 9, 2003.
The report includes background, deliberations upon advanced use of electronic tags, estimates of economic ripple effects and measures for promotion. The electronic tags are expected to be used in various fields like medicine, food, education, etc.

Public presentation of the CRYPTREC Report 2002
August 29, 2003 by Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan and Telecommunications Advancement Organization of Japan
This report is for a promotion of the cryptographic technique evaluation project; CRYPTREC. Japanese e-Government is supposed to follow the e-Government recommended ciphers list by CRYPTREC.

ECOM Newsletter No. 37
July 31, 2003
This is a report about the FY2003 ECOM General Meeting. There is some information on e-Japan Strategy II, Interpretative Guidelines on Electronic Commerce, Risks and Opportunities in Handling Personal Data, ADR Internet Shopping Dispute Consultation Office.

Basic Residential Registers Network System on Second Phase (Japanese)
The Basic Residential Registers Network System (Jyuki Net) entered on the second stage in August 25, 2003. On this stage, citizen can receive new government services such as "Nationwide issue of residence certificates", "Simplified procedure for change of address", "Voluntary issue of Resident Registration Card (smart card with ID number), etc. People have to pay a fee of about 500 yen for their Resident Registration Card (Jyuki Card) which work as official ID card. Several local governments have been refusing to join the Jyuki Net because of privacy and security concern.
Related Link >> Information Network Systems for e-Government in Japan

Individual Survey on e-Democracy in Japan (PDF file)
NTT DATA in May 2002
This is a summary of survey results on e-Democracy in Japan. The survey was conducted to study the feasibility of "e-Democracy" which means citizen participation in the process of policy formation through information and communication technology.
Related Link >> Report on Next Generation e-Government (PDF file)

Information Economy Outlook 2003
This is a summary of the survey report on e-commerce market scale and conditions in 2002 fiscal year. "What Is Management Linked with IT?", "Quantitative Change in IT Investment", etc. The BtoB market in 2002 grew 36%, the BtoC market grew by 81% and the mobile commerce in 2002 expanded to 320 billion yen with a 2.7-fold increase from the previous year.

Start of study to establish General Strategy for Information Security
August 2003 by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Establishment of Information Security Committee, Information Economy Committee, Industrial Structure Council, and Study Group is to plan general strategy for information security. They are going to overview entire situation of this issue, promote the cooperation with Cabinet Office and other organizations and study the contents and system concerned. The interim report is to be published in the end of September.

Research & Development on Asia Broadband Satellite Key Technologies
23 July 2003 by MPHPT Communications News
The purpose of the R&D is to realize an environment comprising the next-generation ICT infrastructures with high reliability and convenience, which will establish seamless satellite links with terrestrial networks. (1) IPv6-ready large-scale multicasting technology and (2) IPv6-ready dynamic band assignment and management technology are to be carried out.

"e-Japan Strategy II" was determined
The 19th Meeting of the IT Strategic Headquarters
July 2, 2003
"e-Japan Strategy II" compiles the second phase of the IT strategy of Japan aiming to realize the world's most advanced IT nation and a "vibrant, safe, impressive and convenient" society with the active use of IT. Now that IT infrastructures have been developed based on the "e-Japan Strategy" formulated in January 2001, the new strategy proposes to take leading measures in seven important areas that are closely related to the lives of the people. The areas are medical treatment, food, life, small-and-medium-sized-enterprises, finance, knowledge, employment, government service. The strategy also asks to advance the development of new IT social infrastructures, which is essential for the sophistication of the active use of IT during this second phase. Based on the "e-Japan Strategy II", the government is to decide "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2003".
Related Link >> e-Japan Strategy II (Japanese:pdf file) | e-Japan Strategy (January 22, 2001)

Draft of Japan e-Government Plan was released (Japanese)
June 25, 2003. Ministries and Agencies CIO council
Government announced a draft of "e-Government construction plan" and is asking public opinion. It is the fist time for Japan to have a comprehensive plan for e-Government. The plan consists of two parts which are fundamental rule and action plans for every ministries and agencies. Government began to understand that citizen-oriented online services and business process reengineering are critical for e-Government success.

Ecommerce-related Legal Information Service Started
May 30, 2003. ECOM Newsletter No. 35
ECOM opened "Introduction to EC-Related Laws" section on its website　and started providing comprehensive information on legal matters related to electronic commerce for the operators planning to set up EC sites. It consists of EC laws Q&A, Net shopping demo site, Links on EC legal issues and Access to ECOM Internet Shopping Dispute Consultation Office (ADR service).
Related Link >> Electronic Commerce Promotion Council of Japan (ECOM)

The Common Matter on General-purpose Electronic Filing System revised (Japanese)
June 6, 2003. Ministry agencies Liaison Conference
Central and local government share the specification of General-purpose Electronic Filing System which enables to offer total online government service with standardization. The Common Matter on EF System consists of application data design, information processing by governmental agency, system construction and management, etc. IC card use and interface spec is added in the revised edition. Government starts to issue Jyuki Cards (smart card) on August 2003 based on the Basic Residential Registers Network System.

Japan's Government Procurement: Policy and Achievements
This the annual report (FY 2002) on Japan's government procurement toward government procurement open to the world. It shows (1)Stipulations and Voluntary Measures including Supercomputers, Non R&D Satellites, Computer Products and Services, Telecommunications and Medical Technology Sectors. (2)Government Procurement Figures for 2001, (3)Recent Trend.

Guideline on E-document and E-sign in Drug permit(Japanese)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (June 4, 2003)
The ministry announced a draft guideline on the use of electronic document and electronic (digital) signature in e-filing system of drug permit procedures. The guideline is based on the agreement of Electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD) in the Japan, U.S. and EU medical-supplies regulation harmony international conference steering committee. Related to that, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has e-sign regulation. Ministry of Justice also established a rule of e-document such as text, XML, PKCS#7, PDF Public-Key Digital Signature, etc.

The world’s first Internet EDI (XML/EDI) Introduction Guidebook
ECOM (May 29, 2003)
This guidebook is for EDI users to introduce XML-based Internet EDI (XML/EDI). It offers classification of Internet EDI, system functions, standardization, notes to design XML/EDI system, scenarios for introducing XML/EDI systems, development and operating fees, effects of XML/EDI, examples of the application and deployment of XML/EDI by companies, B2B standards, etc.

Outline of "International Network Interconnection Experiments for Promoting Advanced Use of IT in Asia"
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
The results of Japan-Singapore large-volume international network interconnection experiments on management technology of metadata for international distribution of large-volume video data, high-quality video IP multicast delivery technology.

"e-Japan Strategy II" asking public opinion (Japanese)
Cabinet Secretariat (May 22, 2003)
IT Strategy Headquarters announced a draft of "e-Japan Strategy II" as the revision of "e-Japan Strategy". This new strategy will promote a good use of ICT and e-government services after building infrastructure. It focused on seven fields such as medical treatment, food, life, small-and-medium-sized-enterprises, finance, knowledge, job, government service.
Related Link >> e-Japan Strategy (January 22, 2001)

"Third Action Plan for the Promotion of Digital Broadcasting" Formulated
MPHPT Communications News (May 14, 2003)
This is the action plan including concrete measures such as diffusion of digital TV receiver units, promotion of publicity campaigns, efforts of the government, etc. In Japan, the government is promoting digitalization of broadcasting based on the "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2002 (June 18, 2002)".
Related Link >> Acceleration and Advancement of e-Japan Priority Policy Program and e-Japan 2002 Program

Putting METI Administrative Procedures Online
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (May 12, 2003)
METI issued ministerial ordinance under the Law Concerning the Use of Information and Telecommunications Technology on Administrative Procedures. This ordinance allowed government procedures to be carried out online. METI is one of the advanced agencies in egovernment.

ADSL is top at Internet use, EC market exceeds 1 trillion yen (Japanese)
NRI Nomura Research Institute (May 1, 2003)
Report on survey about information communication use. It shows that 67.4% uses the Internet, Mobile phone internet user increasing rapidly, Broadband user is 49.0% of those use the Internet at home, Annual market scale of online shopping exceeds 1 trillion yen, etc.
Related Link >> Nomura Research Institute (NRI)

Guidance for introduction of IC card standard system (Japanese:PDF file)
by Local Authorities Systems Development Center (April, 2003)
The system developed by LASDEC supports local governments to provide various services to their citizens in the use of Jyuki Cards based on the Basic Residential Registers Network System which gives Residential ID numbers to all Japanese nationals. Residential ID number can use only for the government services and administrative procedures designated by law.
Related Link >> Information Network Systems for e-Government in Japan

Outline of Bill to Amend the Telecommunications Business Law (TBL) and the NTT Law
This bill reviews overall regulatory frameworks of the Telecommunications Business Law (TBL) to encourage telecommunications carriers to deploy diversified businesses in the age of the Internet.

A draft for planning next term e-Government (Japanese:PDF file)
Government CIO Council on April, 2003.
This draft shows principles for the next e-government plan. According to the draft, "E-government Construction Plan" will be decided by the end of June, 2003. It specifies three important things; offering government services in a citizen centered manner, promoting common use of operating systems and increasing efficiency and rationalization of administration.

Reform of Government Procurement of Information System (Japanese)
All central government offices (March 19, 2003)
The reform aims at preventing an extreme low price bid, realizing high quality information system supply and establishing electronic government. New procurement includes price evaluation based on life cycle cost, low price-tendered investigation system, information disclosure, improvement of development process and evaluation, etc. Small and medium-sized enterprises will get more opportunities for bidding. As Japanese procurement system is lack of transparency and flexibility, it is difficult to have good return on investment in constructing e-government system.
Related Link >> Government Procurement Database

Asia Broadband Program (Japanese) | English (PDF file)
Ministry of Home Management, Public Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (March 28, 2003)
As seen in "e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2002," the Asia Broadband Program was determined in order to establish a broadband Internet environment in Asia. The program says that Strategic promotion, Building broadband infrastructure, Preparation of technologies and legal systems, Development of human resources and Improvement of the framework are critical steps. E-government must be a good use of broadband.
Related Link >> Report of the "Study Group for the Asia Broadband Program" | e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2002

Information Security Auditing System (Jan. 29, 2003)
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Office of Information-Technology Security Policy
Following other advanced nations, Japan launches Information Security Auditing System in April 2003 which defines information security auditing for the first time in Japan. The auditing system has two features, Formulation of Information Security Auditing Standards and Registration of Information Security Auditing Firms. Government expects the system be used in implementing "Electronic Government."

Okayama Prefecture's LGPKI start (Japanese)
Okayama Prefecture's LGPKI (Local Government Public Key Infrastructure) is for the use of the electronic application system which started from February 28, 2003. This LGPKI has issued the Web server certificate for the website which offers the electronic application service. Although user ID registration and software download are needed in order to use the electronic application system, citizens are not requested to use electronic certificates and digital signatures.

"List of the e-Government recommended cryptographic techniques" Adopted
The "List of the recommended cryptographic techniques" was decided for use in the procurement of the e-Government systems. Based on the list, the "Guideline for using cryptographic techniques in information system procurement" was determined and all the relevant office and ministries are expected to follow the guidelines.
Related Link >> CRYPTREC (Cryptography Research and Evaluation Committees)

Communications Found Important to Japanese Users: Ticket Service and Positioning Service on the Wish List across Generations and Locations (PDF file) ECOM
This is a report on the survey by conducting questionnaires about the usage of mobile Internet devices in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Seventeenth Meeting of the IT Strategic Headquarters (March 7, 2003)
The draft budget for IT-related areas for FY2003 and IT-related bills, a report on consideration of the "New IT Strategy" by the Expert Study Committee and etc. The total budget amount for this areas is 1535.8 billion yen. The new strategy aims at a society with safety, peace and impression from four points of view on structural reform, new value creation, respect for individuality and new international relationships.

Security Portal by Police began
National Police Agency (March 1, 2003)
National Police Agency launched a portal website on information security in order to prevent high-tech crime and cyberterrorism and make Internet users more careful of this matter. The portal includes the information for general users, server administrators and kids such as news and trend, glossary, event information, columns and etc.

Japan Patent Office web site was renewed (28 February 2003)
Japan Patent Office (JPO) redesigned their website. The website includes "Overview of industrial property rights", "Right obtainment procedures and fees" and etc. They also offers industrial property digital library (IPDL), related laws, committee documents and reports as reference.
Related Link >> Intellectual Property Policy Outline (July 3, 2002)

Number of Internet Users (As of January 31, 2003)
Ministry of Home Management, Public Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
Total number of Internet users is over 69 millions including DSL Service Users (over 6 millions), FTTH (optical fiber) Service Users (about 233,000) and CATV Network Users (about 2 millions). The number of mobile phone Internet Users is about 60 millions and the number of dial-up connections Internet Users is decreasing.

Gifu Prefecture to Team with Sun Microsystems, Other Firms in Softopia Center
February 28, 2003 (Nikkei Computer)
The Gifu prefecture will start "Softopia Japan Open Network Innovation Center" (SJ-ONIC) for Java-based system development in April. The government expects this project to promote regional industries and to increase employment. Gifu prefecture is well known as an advanced local government on e-government such as e-procurement.

Examples of XML and XML/EDI
ECOM Newsletter No. 30 (Dec 25, 2002)
A report on the seminar about XML/EDI. Application Examples of XML in Business, the Outline and Current State of TEDI, XML Standardization and Apparel Service in the Textile and Apparel Industry, etc. In addition to that, the summary of the Current State of e-Commerce in Japan was introduced.

Okayama tries out 'e-government'
The Japan Times (Feb. 7, 2003)
The Okayama Municipal Government started an e-government trial service which allows its residents to apply for and receive official forms via Internet.

Business Registration Portal plan begins (Japanese)
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Feb. 2003)
A plan started to build the portal website which realizes one-stop online service of company establishment procedures. This portal enables to complete the procedures online such as commercial registration, notary service, local governments, taxation office, real estate company, bank, telephone, electric power, water service, etc. The plan has three stages, a service to make application forms on website in the 1st phase, output those forms to the computer and facsimile of the offices concerned in the 2nd, and finally realize online and paperless transactions. The portal will start in June, 2003 and be completed in March, 2004.

Financial Services Agency starts Electronic Filing system (Japanese)
Financial Services Agency will start electronic filing system (online service on applications, notifications and other procedures) in the end of March, 2003. The flow of electronic filing is (1) Get an certificate for digital signature (2) Filing out the application form and make attached papers (3) Transmit the application data with digital signature via Internet (4) Track online the progress of the application (5) Get official documents as an notice of the result. Electronic Filing is already available in several government ministries such as the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, etc.

Current state of electronic signature and electronic authentication in Japan
ECOM Newsletter Oct 25, 2002
Report on the seminar about electronic signature and electronic authentication where the lectures were held on "Development of secret key management method", "The dissemination of electronic authentication" and "Policy on the electronic signature and authentication". The development of e-Government services is believed to promote the growth of electronic authentication business.

Findings of the “Survey on Use of Outsourcing Services in e-municipality Developments”
ECOM Newsletter Nov 25, 2002
The research study by ECOM and Mitsubishi Research Institute on Use of Outsourcing Services in e-municipality Development. According to the research, e-municipality services remain unplanned in nearly 80% of prefectural and municipal governments spearheading development.

Egovernment and Personal Authentication laws enacted (Japanese)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Three laws for e-govenment are enacted on December, 2002 and will take into effect in 2003. Two of them declares that all government transactions can be made online except for some procedures. The last one is personal authentication law allowing local governments to operate Certification Authorities and citizens to use digital signatures by smart cards. The bills for protection of personal data will be under consideration on the next ordinary session of the Diet after amendment. The laws are expected to be passed in 2003.

A draft of the list of recommended cryptography for the use of electronic government (Japanese) Nov. 28, 2002
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The list of cryptography evaluated by CRYPTREC in the view of being able to withstand for a decade in electronic government. It consists of four categories which are Asymmetric Cryptographic techniques, Symmetric Ciphers, Hush Functions and Pseudo-Random Number Generators. The government is asking for public comments on the draft.
Related Link >> CRYPTREC (Cryptography Research and Evaluation Committees)

Japan may drop Windows to boost security
Forbes.com (Reuters) Nov. 16th, 2002
Japanese government will consider replacing Windows with another operating system, particularly open-source programs such as Linux to improve security and reduce costs.
Related Link >> CERT Coordination Center | Open Source and the Government

Report on an investigation of the computerization in Japanese local governments (Japanese)
Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications
The computerization in Japanese local governments (47 prefectures and 3,241 cities, towns and villages) as of April 1st 2002. 40.4% of prefectures has a project team for e-government, so 16.4% of cities, towns and villages does. Plans for online administration procedures (95.7%, 21.3%), E-Procurement implementation (8.5%, 0.1%), Website (100%, 95.6%), Information Security Policy (46.8%, 21.0%), LAN; Computer Network System (100%, 90.3%), Integrated GIS;geographic information system (10.6%, 3.6%), Cost of computerization (71.8 billion yen, 509.5 billion),
Related Link >> Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications

ECOM Journal No.4 (Oct.4th, 2002)
The reports based on the researches on local governments that are advanced in e-government development. The strategic development of the e-Japan Policy Program, the Development of Government Portals, the Early Establishment of e-Government, the Use of Benchmarks in Promoting e-Government.

Government E-procurement System Launched (Japanese: October 25, 2002)
Web-based electronic procurement (tender and examine) system of Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications constructed by COMPAQ. It's featured by the adoption of GPKI and digital signature, bidding by deputy with electronic letter of attorney, etc. The lack of web usability would be a problem. The Ministry is expecting other government agencies use this e-procurement system.
Related Link >> Government Procurement Database

Interpretative Guidelines on Electronic Commerce (PDF file)
May 28, 2002 Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
The guidelines to show how various legal problems of electronic commerce will be handled under the current laws in order to make transactions more predictable. Online Transactions such as conclusion of contracts, consumer protection, etc. Information Property Trading such as license agreements, intellectual property, etc.

e-Japan Priority Policy Program - 2002
The program shows 318 measures on IT policy through international comparison and evaluation of achievements. As facilitation of electronic commerce, reviewing of regulations preventing online transactions, distribution of e-commerce guideline for actual use, establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR ) framework and development of a digital rights managements system. As promotion of e-government, introduction of electronic bid and bid-opening of public work, establishment of the law enabling all administrative services available online, promotion of the use of ASP (application service provider) in local e-governments.

Acceleration and Advancement of e-Japan Priority Policy Program and e-Japan 2002 Program(Nov.2001)
This is the structural reform schedule on IT-related policy area. As facilitation of electronic commerce, the creation of rules handling of rights involved in the distribution of digital content. As promotion of e-government, electronic filing procedures and rules, policies and specifications for IC cards, electronic bidding, public individual certification service systems, local public networks and electronic voting in local elections.

e-Japan 2002 Program (June 26, 2001)
Electronic filing (application, notification and other procedures) needs the items such as authentication infrastructure, electronic payment systems, document management systems. Those items will contribute to efficient internal administration and secure online services.