e-Japan 2002 Program

-Basic Guidelines Concerning the IT Priority Policies in FY2002-

June 26, 2001
IT Strategic Headquarters

I. Basic Policies

1. The IT Strategy Council and the IT Strategy Headquarters were created in July of last year and conducted intensive investigation on the progress of the IT revolution on behalf of the government. In January of this year, the Strategic Headquarters for the Promotion of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society (IT Strategic Headquarters) was launched under the provisions of the Basic Law on the Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society (IT Basic Law) with the Prime Minister as its Director-General, and all Cabinet members and opinion-leaders from the private sector as its members to serve as a new base for joint government and private sector promotion of IT policies.
   In January of this year, the IT Strategic Headquarters adopted the e-Japan Strategy, which sets goals "to make Japan the world's most advanced IT nation within five years." In March, the Headquarters formulated the e-Japan Priority Policy Program, a new step in the advancement of the IT revolution taken by the whole government.
   The number of Internet users in Japan turned to be approximately 47 million at the end of CY2000, an increase of 74% compared to the previous year, and Internet penetration rate jumped from 21% at the end of CY1999 to 37%, indicating the remarkable and rapid progress of IT. The progress in the introduction of IT, however, is a global trend, and the realization of the goals set forth in the e-Japan Strategy will require even greater government action than in the past.
   In particular, the joint holding of the FIFA World Cup^TM by Japan and the Republic of Korea in 2002 will be the first time that large numbers of people visit Japan from around the world, since the Internet and mobile phones have become common means of communication globally, making 2002 a year in which people from all over the world will experience firsthand and evaluate Japan's IT revolution.
   Accordingly, the IT Strategic Headquarters has adopted the e-Japan 2002 Program (Basic Guidelines Concerning the IT Priority Policies in FY2002) as an annual program to enable each office and ministry to reflect the e-Japan Strategy and the e-Japan Priority Policy Program in each FY2002 policy, and for the entire government to implement IT policies intensively, strategically, and in more aggressive manner.
   
   
2. Priority will be placed on the five policy areas listed below as the pillars of IT measures for FY2002 and they shall be implemented through the individual measures described in Section II.
   
   (1) Promotion of High-Speed and Ultra-High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
   In light of the rapid growth in the number of Internet users, falling communications charges, and increasing access to high-speed Internet connection services, it is necessary to promote the further formation of even higher-speed and lower-cost networks. In order to achieve this, expansion of high-speed Internet infrastructure in disadvantaged areas as well as basic research and development will be promoted.
   The continued promotion of fair competition and regulatory reform will be supported to encourage the development of networks by the private sector. Also links will be formed with the Council for Regulatory Reform to investigate at the IT Strategic Headquarters models for future competition policies including regulatory reform in the IT field. Based on these results, the necessary systems will be developed.
   
   (2) Digitization of School Education and Reinforcement of Human Resource Development Japan will seek to become a superpower in terms of IT human resources by FY2005 and will promote an IT Human Resource Development Scheme in order to intensively implement the measures necessary for this. Specifically, further development and improvement of connectivity environments will be conducted according to the status of Internet access in schools and the degree of progress in increasing access speeds and lowering the costs of network infrastructure in order to promote the digitization of education. In addition, a wide variety of educational content will be enhanced and applied for the further use of IT in school lessons. Also, the information literacy of the general public will be raised and the training of creative personnel with specialized knowledge and skills promoted.
   
   (3) Enhancement of Network Content
   For Japan to become the world's most advanced IT society, the volume of high-quality digital content provided via the Internet and transmitted globally must be increased greatly. The production of digital content itself will likely be handled largely by the private sector, but the national government must act to create an environment in which this can take place. Specifically, highly skilled content creators will be trained and measures implemented that promote the production and distribution of high-quality digital content, including the protection of intellectual property rights. Also, the development of an environment that encourages introduction of IT by small and medium-sized enterprises will be accelerated including various measures to support start-ups.
   
   (4) Promotion of Electronic Government and Electronic Local Government
   It is necessary to promote the development of foundations in FY2002 to realize both electronic government (e-government) and promote the creation of electronic local government by FY2003. In order to do this, the foundations necessary for submitting electronic applications and notifications including public individual certification services by local governments will be developed and necessary support will be provided by the national government so that local governments can undertake such developments, keeping pace with the national government. Also, all possible measures will be taken to ensure security, which is the foundation of all IT services.
   
   (5) Reinforcement of International Activities
   It is important for Japan to play a central role in the IT revolution in Asia. We will disseminate large volumes of digital content, and act as an Asian Internet hub, while engaging in international cooperation concerning IT-related rules and regulations, including those on intellectual property rights and consumer protection. Furthermore, we will contribute to the expansion of the global IT revolution mainly in Asia by promoting the spread of IPv6 and the development of human resources.
   
   
3. The government and the private sector will join forces to implement the "e!Project" as a showcase for displaying the image of the world's most advanced IT nation to be achieved in CY2005 to the general public and the entire world
   The project will include the deployment of high-speed wireless LAN environments in international airports (e-airport), the deployment of the high-speed Internet environments using IPv6 in multi-function urban districts (e-office), and the creation of shopping areas that utilize mobile terminals (e-shopping malls) to give people a taste of the IT revolution.
   
   
4. When implementing the IT measures for FY2002, it is crucial that the limited resources be used efficiently. Accordingly, it is necessary to aggressively review existing measures and promote priority measures based on these basic policies, taking into consideration the following points.
   (1) Are the e-Japan Strategy and the e-Japan Priority Policy Program reflected?
   (2) Has an efficient implementation structure for the entire government been adopted to prevent duplicative measures?
   (3) Do measures cover areas that should be left to private companies?
   (4) Are the measures appropriate from a perspective of cost effectiveness?
   
   
5. The Koizumi Cabinet has issued Koizumi Cabinet Mail Magazine as a means of engaging in positive interaction with the general public to create a new society and a new future with the cooperation and support of the Japanese people. The realization of the IT revolution and the resulting transformation of Japan's socio-economic structures require the cooperation and support of the people. The mail magazine features two-way communication. It serves to publicize among the Japanese people the status of the measures proposed in the e-Japan 2002 Program while reflecting the opinions received from the public in IT measures. Thus, the mail magazine confirms the promotion of the IT revolution.
   
   
6. By carrying out intensive and comprehensive IT measures based on the e-Japan 2002 Program, the goals presented in the e-Japan Strategy will be achieved and Japan's socio-economic structures will be transformed through the promotion of the IT revolution.
   
   

II. Measures in Specified Areas

1. Formation of the World's Most Advanced Information and Telecommunications Networks
   
   

   The expansion of high-speed Internet access continues, with the cable television Internet and DSL subscribers in urban areas increasing to approximately 850,000 at the end of FY2000 (an increase of approximately fourfold from the previous year), and a variety of other services including optical and wireless access are also undergoing full-scale launches. In addition, the expansion of ADSL services to almost all areas of the country is planned for FY2002. Elimination of the digital divide in disadvantaged areas and the development of backbone networks compatible with higher-speed subscriber networks are also crucial issues. In order to achieve these goals, the promotion of fair competition, the expansion of high-speed and ultra-high-speed Internet infrastructure, the formation of nationwide networks of accommodation space including information boxes installed under national highways, and the development of necessary technologies for core Internet functions such as IX will be pursued.

   
   (1) Expansion of High-Speed and Ultra-High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

   a. In order to promote the expansion of high-speed and ultra-high-speed Internet infrastructure, the development of networks by private sector business will be supported as will the development of wide-area public networks by local governments to foster the installation of high-speed Internet in disadvantaged areas. (Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF))

   b. In order to facilitate the development of inter-regional and intra-regional backbone optical fiber networks, the preparation and opening of accommodation space will be promoted, in conjunction with the construction of optical fiber networks for the administration of public facilities such as highways, rivers, and ports, including a nationwide network of information boxes installed under national highways. (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT))

   c. In order to promote the creation of networks by the private sector, measures to foster fair competition will be implemented, and the structure of the Fair Trade Commission reinforced to facilitate the rapid and accurate resolution of cases violating the Antimonopoly Act. (MPHPT, Fair Trade Commission (FTC))

   d. In order to respond to the explosive growth in data traffic accompanying the expansion of high-speed and ultra-high-speed Internet Infrastructure, technologies necessary for core Internet functions such as IX will be established. (MPHPT)

   e. The introduction of IT into apartments constructed by the Housing Corporation will be promoted. Besides, in order to facilitate high-speed Internet access in apartment complexes, IT standards for housing will be adopted as a support measure for the introduction of IT to housing. (MLIT)

   
   (2) Research and Development
   

   a. In order to promote a transition to IPv6-equipped Internet, research and development will be conducted on technologies that will effectively promote the diffusion of IPv6, including those that can enhance and utilize IPv6 functions and those that will expand the scope of devices other than PCs that can access the Internet. (MPHPT)

   b. In order to promote the expansion of seamless high-speed mobile communication services, research and development on technologies necessary for mobile communications services that act in tandem with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be supported. In addition, research and development on technologies necessary for the realization of fourth-generation mobile communications systems will be promoted and proposals made for the establishment of global standards. (MPHPT, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI))

   
   
2. Promotion of Education/Learning and Human Resources Development
   
   

   During FY2001, action is being undertaken to provide all public elementary, lower- and upper-secondary schools, etc. with Internet access. By FY2005, virtually all public schools will have 24-hour connection to high-speed Internet access with the aim of enabling children to enhance their capability, so Japan can become a human resources superpower. During FY2002, school lessons utilizing networks will be enriched. To this end, schools will be provided high-speed Internet access and a wide variety of educational content that utilizes networks will be developed and their widespread use promoted.

   
   (1) Digitization of School Education
   

   a. In light of the status of the overall development of high-speed and ultra-high-speed Internet access, a transition to ADSL and optical fiber Internet access by schools will be promoted. (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), MPHPT)

   b. The utilization of visual content in the possession of public bodies, the creation of digital archives of education resources, and the aggressive development of content distributed through networks will be promoted to enhance and distribute a wide variety of educational content. Also, an educational content portal site will be enriched to allow for searching and downloading of such content. Thus, the distribution of educational content will be promoted systematically as a means to fully utilize IT at actual education sites.

   c. The IT instructional skills of teachers will be improved to promote the further utilization of IT in school education. (MEXT)

   
   (2) Provision of IT Learning Opportunities
   

   a. Based on the results of the Basic IT Skill Training Program, action will be taken to improve the information literacy of the general public including the development of IT environments at public facilities. Action will also be taken to improve the information literacy of seniors and the disabled. (MPHPT, MEXT, MAFF)
   

   b. From the perspective of employment creation, job-related IT skills will be developed at various levels among unemployed persons effectively and efficiently. (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW))

   
   (3) Development of Creative Human Resources with Specialized Knowledge and Skills
   

   a. In order to develop IT human resources with specialized skills and creativity in accordance with the needs of industry, new IT-related departments in universities and graduate schools will be created and existing departments reorganized. The number limit of students will be increased to raise the number of highly-skilled IT human resources. Also, IT-related programs at specialized training colleges will be improved and further development of educational environments promoted. (MEXT)
   

   b. In order to develop highly-skilled IT human resources of both public and private sectors necessary in a broadband era, research and development projects by private sector engineers and local government employees will be encouraged. (MPHPT)
   

   c. In order to facilitate the development and use of highly-skilled IT engineers, standards concerning IT-related job skills will be established and diffused. (METI)
   

   d. The widespread application of e-learning (remote education) will be promoted by providing educational content according to skill standards common to Asian countries from the perspective of the effective development and use of IT human resources across various Asian countries. (METI)
   

   e. In order to develop excellent digital content creators, necessary action will be undertaken for improving the content production environment and distribution structures, and for facilitating the distribution of digital content via the Internet, taking into consideration the enhancement of international competitiveness in digital content. (MPHPT, METI)
   

   f. As globalization progresses, environments in which foreigners can study Japanese easily will be developed both in Japan and overseas to encourage the widespread application of the Japanese language and the dissemination of Japanese culture. (MEXT)
   
   

3. Facilitation of Electronic Commerce
   
   

   The scale of the electronic commerce market is increasing rapidly, with the business to business (B to B) market reaching approximately 22 trillion yen (about 2.5 times greater than in CY1998) and the business to consumer (B to C) market reaching approximately 820 billion yen (about 2.5 times greater than in the previous year) in CY2000. In FY2002, while continued efforts will be made to develop a necessary environment for the growth of e-commerce market, specific focus will be placed on promoting the production and distribution of high-quality digital content, including the protection of intellectual property rights to encourage the rapid growth of digital content distributed via the Internet.

   
   (1) Reviews of Regulations (Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and the relevant office and ministries)
   The Commercial Code will be amended to allow for the introduction of systems for storage of corporate documents in electronic forms and electronic notification using the Internet, and necessary reviews of regulations that impede electronic commerce will be conducted.
   
   (2) Appropriate Protection and Use of Intellectual Property Rights (MEXT, METI)
   In order to promote the appropriate protection and use of intellectual property rights on the Internet, necessary legal structures including systems related to copyrights and patents will be created to ensure the smooth distribution of digital content including computer software, images, and music.
   
   (3) Facilitation of Digital Content Distribution (MPHPT, METI)
   Action necessary for the development of environments to establish commercial rules of broadcast content and technology for the prevention of unlawful copying will be taken to facilitate the distribution of broadband content.
   
   (4) Consumer Protection (Cabinet Office, METI, FTC, and the relevant office and ministries)
   Consumer protection will be promoted in the electronic commerce field including the creation of systems for the rapid resolution of consumer complaints and the protection of personal information through the provision of related information.
   
   (5) Digital Signatures and Authentication Systems (MPHPT, MOJ, METI)
   In order to ensure the efficient implementation of digital signatures and authentication systems, necessary action will be taken including international mutual recognition of authorizing authentication operations, research and investigations with regard to the evaluation of technologies concerning the security and reliability of authentication operations, and activities to publicize such operations among the general public.
   
   (6) Extension and Encouragement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (MOJ, and the relevant office and ministries)
   In order to develop the foundations to expand and encourage the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the investigations on a legislation for arbitration will be hastened, taking into consideration international developments such as those of United Nations Communication on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and investigations will be made in view of adopting Basic Law on ADR (tentative) to create a basic framework for ADR.
   
   (7) Development of Common IT Foundations for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) (METI, MAFF)
   In order to promote the introduction of IT to SMEs, a suitable environment will be developed and support measures provided in a comprehensive and systematic manner, including the promotion of human resource development and business tie-ups as well as an enhancement of information provision through implementation of an "e-SME Agency." In addition, the development of an electronic commerce environment will be encouraged in agriculture, forestry and fisheries business areas that are lagging behind other industries.
   
   (8) Coordination with International Rules (MPHPT, MOJ, METI, and the relevant office and ministries)
   Active discussions will be conducted on a range of topics including infringement of intellectual property rights, consumer protection, information security, international court jurisdiction, and conflicts of laws in various forums such as World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNCITRAL, the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), taking into consideration Japan's legal systems, in order to effect coordination with international legal systems.
   
   
4. Digitization of the Administration and Utilization of IT in Other Public Areas
   
   

   During FY2002, all the ministries will engage in the development of a common system infrastructure to electronically handle applications and notifications, and will also promote electronic delivery of administrative information and electronic government procurement, so that electronic information can be handled administratively in the same way as information on paper by FY2003.

   
   (1) Electronic Delivery of Administrative Information (MPHPT, and all the ministries)
   Based on the Action Plan Concerning the Promotion of Electronic Information Delivery to be formulated by each office and ministry according to the Framework for Electronic Delivery of the Administrative Information (Guideline), systematic and priority action will be taken for the electronic delivery of administrative information such as basic information concerning administrative organizations and structures, information regarding budget and settlement of account, and information that will contribute to effective social use.
   
   (2) Electronic filing (application, notification and other procedures) (MPHPT, Ministry of Finance (MOF), and all the ministries)
   The following items will be promoted based on a new action plan.
   

   a. Creation of authentication systems and General-Purpose Acceptance System
   

   b. Creation of systems necessary for electronic payment of fees
   

   c. Creation of individual systems necessary for handling separate procedures
   

   d. Creation of inspection support databases, internal memo and decision-making systems, and document management systems that will contribute to efficient internal administration and the enhancement of the functions of such systems.

   
   (3) Construction of Public Authentication Infrastructure for Individuals (MPHPT)
   A public authentication system for individuals by local governments using data from basic resident registers is scheduled to start operations in FY2003. In preparation, trial operations will be conducted, legal and other necessary foundations will be prepared, and systems will be constructed.
   
   (4) Electronic Government Procurement
   

   a. Based on investigations into specifications for electronic bidding and bid opening with respect to government procurement except public works, a system will be developed and put into trial operations. (MPHPT, and all the ministries)
   

   b. An electronic procurement system for public works will be operated with respect to a part of projects under the direct control of the office and ministries, that exceed a certain scale, and a system compatible with various bidding formats will be developed. (MLIT, and the relevant office and ministries)
   
   

   (5) Paperless (Electronic) Administration (MPHPT, and all the ministries)
   Each office and ministry will jointly shift certain tasks to paperless (electronic) administration. While the functions of existing systems will be upgraded as necessary, LANs of national ministries and those of their regional bureaus and branch offices will be connected, and networks linking the national government and local governments will be installed.
   
   (6) Support to Local Governments (MPHPT, and the relevant office and ministries)
   In coordination with the introduction of electronic administration in the national government, Priority Policy Program will be steadily implemented by the national government to provide support to the undertakings of local governments.
   
   (7) Development of Wide-Area Systems by Local Governments (MPHPT)
   The construction of wide-area systems by multiple local governments will be supported. To carry this out, the construction of jointly operated systems by such means as ASP will be promoted through trial operations.
   
   (8) Electronic Voting in Local Elections (MPHPT)
   In order to make voting more convenient for voters and to facilitate ballot counting, action will be taken to make possible trial operations of electronic voting in local elections.
   
   (9) Formulation and Widespread Use of Evaluation Indicators concerning System Development (METI, and the relevant office and ministries)
   Based on the result of the adoption of Process Evaluation Indicators' Model for Development and Procurement of Software, action will be conducted to promote the widespread adoption of that model in both the public and private sectors including preparation of a training environment for evaluators.
   
   (10) Introduction of IT in the Public Sector (relevant office and ministries)
   Priority Policy Program will be steadily implemented by promoting research and development, by digitizing such fields as science and technology, academic research, the arts and culture, health care and social welfare, the environment, disaster prevention, and public transportation, and by aggressively introducing advanced telecommunications infrastructure and applications into various fields, including the promotion of ITS and GIS.
   
   (11) Effective Promotion of Measures (all the ministries)
   The following action will be taken to encourage effective promotion of measures: (1) use of existing systems; (2) development of an effective system that corresponds to diversification of communications services and progress of technology; (3) sharing of design and development results; (4) elimination of duplicative measures; and (5) coordination of measures.
   
   
5. Ensuring the Security and Reliability over Advanced Information and Telecommunications Networks
   
   

   Ensuring information security is a necessary prerequisite for the advancement of the IT revolution. In CY2000, the number of computer virus notifications was 11,000 (approximately three times the number in the previous year), and the number of reported unauthorized access incidents was 143 (approximately 2.6 times the previous year's figure). In FY2002, particular emphasis will be placed on constructing security systems in electronic government, constructing response systems to cyber terrorism, and raising security levels in the private sector.

   
   (1) Construction of a Highly Reliable e-government
   

   a. In order to ensure information security in the e-government, investigations will be launched on the construction of a system for information security, which, in an integrated manner, supports each ministry and agency as well as local governments, evaluates and examines security conditions of each ministry and agency, and responds to emergency situations. (Cabinet Secretariat)
   

   b. In order to evaluate and review security policies on a continuous basis, effective measures will be investigated including the use of ethical hacking. (Cabinet Secretariat)
   

   c. The information security measures of local governments will be supported through such means as the creation of emergency response systems and the implementation of local financial measures. (MPHPT)

   
   (2) Reinforcement of Countermeasures against Cyber-Terrorism (Cabinet Secretariat, National Police Agency (NPA), Defense Agency (JDA), Financial Services Agency (FSA), MPHPT, METI, and MLIT)
   Cyber Terrorism Response Database (tentative name) will be constructed and its functions reinforced to collect, transmit, and accumulate information concerning cyber terrorism as well as share such information between the private and public sectors. In addition, training of personnel with advanced skills, development of systems, and international cooperation will be promoted to respond to emergency situations.
   
   (3) Raising Awareness concerning Information Security
   Basic education concerning information security will be introduced to the compulsory education level, structures that promote cooperation among private sector initiatives will be developed, and support will be provided for a human resource development program that takes into consideration the needs in various areas. (MPHPT, MEXT, MHLW, METI)
   
   (4) Support for Information Security Measures in the Private Sector
   

   a. Functions whereby ministries and organizations involved in information security provide and accept information and provide guidance and advice to the private sector will be reinforced, consulting services at prefectural police offices for the private sector will be improved, and high-tech anti-crime measures will be strengthened. (NPA, MPHPT, METI)
   

   b. Activities will be conducted to raise public awareness concerning information security, and support will be provided to private companies to promote the introduction of advanced information security facilities and purchase information security related services. (MPHPT, METI)

   
   (5) Development of Key Technologies Concerning Information Security (NPA, JDA, MPHPT, MEXT, METI)
   Basic technologies including encryption technology and information security evaluation technology will be developed and shared with other ministries and the private sector to the extent there is no influence to national security issues.
   
   
6. Crosscutting Issues
   
   

   When implementing the above measures, there are several crosscutting issues such as promotion of research and development, closing the digital divide, measures for employment issues, promotion of international harmonization and contribution, and development and enhancement of IT-related statistics. The government will undertake aggressive action with respect to these issues.

   
   (1) Promotion of R&D
   In order to strategically strengthen technological capabilities in the information and telecommunications field that will serve as the foundations for the advanced information and telecommunications network society of tomorrow and as the source of enhanced industrial competitiveness, research and development necessary for the realization of the world's most advanced IT nation will be promoted by establishing an environment for technological development through reinforcement of cooperation among government, academia and industry and by reform of R&D systems. Specifically, research and development in the information and telecommunications field will be strategically promoted based on the Basic Policy of FY2002 to Allocate Resources for Science and Technology such as Researchers and Budgets, adopted by the Council for Science and Technology Policy.
   
   (2) Closing the Digital Divide
   Efforts will be made to narrow gaps in IT accessibility caused by geographic constraints, age or physical conditions, or other factors. To achieve this, the digital divide resulting from geographic constraints will be closed. Also, development of IT devices and systems, taking into consideration the conditions of the elderly and persons with disabilities, will be encouraged, and support will be provided for raising the information literacy of such persons in order to create an environment in which they have full access to IT.
   
   (3) Measures for Employment Issues
   To make appropriate responses to transitions in industrial structures, support will be provided to startup companies in the IT field, which are thought to be abundant sources of future employment, and measures promoted that encourage the creation of employment in such companies. Furthermore, as the IT revolution progresses, there will be increased instances of mismatches between the job-related skills that companies require and the actual skills that workers can offer. Therefore, functions for providing information through the cooperation between the public and private sectors will be reinforced to promote the efficient shift of human resources to areas such as IT-related in which increased employment opportunities are expected.
   Moreover, as the IT revolution unfolds, IT skills are becoming necessary in all occupations, and the shortage of cutting-edge researchers and engineers in IT fields is becoming critical. Therefore, the development of skills necessary to use IT on the job will be promoted effectively and efficiently and the creation of environments necessary for nurturing cutting-edge researchers and engineers will be encouraged.
   (4) Promotion of International Harmonization and Contribution
   Efforts will be made to enhance international harmonization concerning IT-related rules and standards such as intellectual property rights and taxation of electronic commerce through cooperation in international and regional organizations and bilateral cooperation. In addition, contributions will be made to close the digital divide on a worldwide scale through active cooperation with developing countries including Asian nations in areas such as the promotion of IPv6 and human resource development.
   
   (5) Development and Enhancement of IT-Related Statistics
   The e-Japan Priority Policy Program established benchmarks for evaluating quantitatively the status of achievement of its goals. Further efforts will be made to develop and enhance IT-related statistics in order to make accurate determinations of the status of the IT revolution in Japan and the impact of IT on the economy and society, and these results will be utilized in surveys on the status of progress of these measures and in reviews of the priority policy program.
   
   

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Reference 1

IT Human Resource Development Scheme (Framework)

1. Digitization of School Education

   a. A transition to ADSL and optical fiber Internet access by schools will be promoted.

   b. A wide variety of educational content will be enhanced and distributed, and an educational content portal site will be developed.

   c. The IT instructional skills of teachers will be improved.

   
   
2. Provision of IT Learning Opportunities

   a. Action will be taken to improve the information literacy of the general public, seniors, and the disabled based on the results of Basic IT Skill Training Program.

   b. Development of job-related IT skills will be promoted effectively and efficiently.

   
   
3. Development of Creative Human Resources with Specialized Knowledge and Skills

   a. IT-related departments in universities and graduate schools will be newly created and existing departments reorganized and the number limit of students increased.
   

   b. Development of the highly-skilled IT human resources necessary in the public and private sectors in a broadband era will be promoted.
   

   c. Standards concerning IT-related skills will be established and diffused.
   

   d. The widespread application of e-Learning (remote education) will be promoted for the purpose of human resource development in various Asian countries.
   

   e. Necessary action will be undertaken in order to develop excellent digital content creators.

   
   

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Reference 2

e!Project

June 26, 2001
IT Policy Office, Cabinet Secretariat

1. Concept
   Cutting-edge technology will be introduced on a trial basis in order to show the people in an easy-to-understand format the image of the world's most advanced IT nation that will be achieved in 2005.
   
   
2. Targets
   - Japanese nationals: General public (Even to satisfy heavy users)
   - Foreign visitors: Businesspeople in particular
   
   
3. Overview (specific examples)

   International airports:	Deployment of wireless LAN environments, provision of information to wireless terminals, etc.
   Multi-function urban districts:	Deployment of ultra-high-speed IPv6 Internet environments, shopping malls that utilize mobile terminals, apparel displays and sales using IT, display of IT model houses, etc.
   Others:	Electronic voting, electronic applications, electronic first aid, digitization of education, etc.