II. Future Vision in Each Area

1. Future Vision

This part of Appendix shows typical examples of future vision of daily life and society in CY2005 (on digitization of the administration, FY2003) from the perspective of users, as a result of the implementation of measures and achievement of targets in each area in the Priority Policy Program.

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

Major item Future vision

Ultra high-speed Internet - Networks, which enable smooth download of high-definition, large-capacity image data, are constructed.
- Distribution of very high-quality images, participation in remote events in real time and shopping using 3-D images are enabled at low prices.
- Transmission/reception of detailed medical information from remote places is enabled.

High-speed Internet - Networks, which enable smooth download of music data, etc., are constructed.
- TV conferencing, interactive games among gamers, real-time distribution of images, remote home care, etc., will be available.

Transition to the IPv6-based Internet - The Internet becomes accessible from information consumer electronics and devices other than PCs, without complicated connection operations.
- Controlling and utilizing consumer electronics through networks, such as operating air-conditioners and checking content of refrigerators from outside, become possible.

Seamless mobile communications service - By high-speed mobile Internet access, services such as image/music distribution can be enjoyed at low price.
- Through the creation of an access environment equivalent to that of fixed terminals, a seamless network environment will be realized.

Digitization of broadcasting - High-quality image/sound can be enjoyed, and, through multi-channel and full-fledged data broadcasting, user choices in programs and information will be expanded.
- Combined with the Internet, two-way services can be received.
- Stable broadcasting can be received even in moving vehicles.

3. Promotion of Education/Learning and Human Resource Development

Major item Future vision

Digitization of school education - Voluntary and creative learning become possible as students are enabled to search data around the world by using the Internet in classes.

Promotion of the People's Movement for the Spread of IT - Through utilizing the Internet, people in rural areas can enjoy the latest movies, etc., and the elderly and people with disabilities can participate in community activities as hobbies.

Support for job skills development in the IT area - All workers exert their full potential, greatly improve efficiency of their work, and easily acquire job opportunities of their choice with skills to use IT.

Active promotion of university reforms In addition to original research activities, universities become the intellectual bases for local industries and lifelong learning, resulting in the development of diversified human resources and various state-of-the-art technologies.

Fostering digital content creators - Various digital content such as animation with worldwide popularity can be created, and distributed from Japan to the world via the Internet, etc.

4. Facilitation of Electronic Commerce

Major item Future vision

Reviewing regulations for promoting free and diversified economic activities of the private sector - Regarding application of laws concerning new business methods utilizing IT, advanced confirmation can be made through documents, which promotes and facilitates new business creation.
- Undergraduate degrees can be obtained at home via the Internet.
- Shareholders are enabled to receive invitation of shareholders' meetings and to exercise voting rights at home.

Creating rules for secure e-commerce - Every consumer is enabled to conduct e-commerce without caring about troubles on contracts or operational errors such as in clicking.
- In case information falling under the category of defamation is posted on websites, etc., prompt and adequate responses minimizing damages by providers, etc. can be expected.
- Without fear of forgery or information leakage of credit cards or other cards for payment, users are able to make transactions using those cards at ease.

Proper protection and use of intellectual property rights - Toward conducts of obtaining domain names identical with or similar to other party's trademarks, etc., for illicit purposes, etc., holders of the trademarks, etc. are enabled to demand injunction or compensation for damages. Furthermore, even in dispute settlement without court proceedings based on international rules, Japanese language is available in the proceedings between Japanese parties. Such measures will solve disputes concerning domain names.
- Protection of intellectual property rights becomes thorough, and various attractive digital content can be provided via the Internet.

Consumer protection - Through proper protection of personal information, consumers are enabled to conduct e-commerce at ease.
- At disputes in online shopping, etc., simple and quick dispute settlement is made possible through the use of ADR.

Creating IT base for SMEs - About half of all SMEs are enabled to conduct e-commerce, etc., by utilizing the Internet.

5. Digitization of the Administration and Utilization of IT in Other Public Areas

1) Digitization of administrative services (FY2003)

Major item Future vision

Electronic provision of administrative information - In principle, people are able to obtain public information such as organizations/duties of public organizations, plans and results of measures/projects, reports obliged to be released through Official Gazette, press releases on statistical survey results or council reports on websites, 24 hours a day, easily and electronically, in addition to paper documents.

Digitization of procedures such as application and notification - Practically all procedures such as application and notification are made available via networks, principally 24 hours a day, from home or offices.
Examples: Procedures for national tax refunds, telecommunication business, trade regulations, road transportation, shipping, aviation, etc.

Digitization of national revenues and expenditures - Paying handling charges for application/notification and taxes are made possible via the Internet.

Digitization of procurement processes - Tendering and bid opening are made possible via the Internet. (On public works, in principle, by FY2004)

Paperless office (electronic information) - By utilizing local area networks (LANs) of each office and ministry and the Kasumigaseki WAN, deliberations on laws and regulations, notification of various meetings, distribution (circular) of work documents, etc., currently made on a paper-basis inside and among public organizations, are made paperless, or, electronic information.

Note: Regarding local governments, the central government shall provide necessary supports.

2) Digitization in public areas

Major item Future vision

Digitization in science/ technology and academic research fields - Universities and research institutions are connected through ultra high-speed research networks.
- By utilizing supercomputers through networks, advanced simulations and collaborative researches with remote places are made possible for more advanced research and development.

Digitization in arts and culture fields - People are able to obtain and use various information on cultural assets and artworks at home via the Internet.

Digitization in health, medical and welfare fields - By making medical information electronically available, more advanced medical care using databases become possible, and services for patients are expected to improve such as reduced waiting time at hospitals.

Digitization in employment field - People are able to obtain various employment opportunities information at home via the Internet.

Promotion of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) - Through screen display with car navigation system, etc., high-quality road traffic information meeting demands are obtained throughout Japan.
- Electronic Toll Collection (ETC non-stop automatic toll payment) system, contributing to solving/decreasing traffic jams at tollbooths, become available in major tollbooths all over Japan.
- Systems which automatically warn drivers for the purpose of reducing traffic accidents and realizing drastically safe and comfortable drive become available in the Second Tomei and Meishin Expressways.

Digitization in environmental field - By utilizing artificial satellites, finding illegal dumping is enabled so as to prevent environmental pollution.
- Accurate forecast on global environmental changes are made possible, leading to various applications, for example, inventory adjustment of seasonal commodities, or plant cultivation planning in response to abnormal weather.

Promotion of Geographical Information System (GIS) - Various digitized geographical information are freely combined for diversified uses, such as disaster prevention, urban planning, and environmental or educational applications.

Digitization in disaster prevention - Various information related with disaster prevention are technically analyzed and shared among relevant organizations and the people to enable prompt responses to disasters.

6. Ensuring of Security and Reliability over Advanced Information and Telecommunications Networks

Major item Future vision

Preparation of legal system/infrastructure - Based on objective criteria, effective security technology is introduced.
- Network crimes can be punished adequately, and security and order of the Internet, etc., can be maintained.

IT security measures within the government - Because leakage of personal information and systems down can be prevented, people are able to use e-government at ease.

IT security measures and the public awareness thereof in the private sector - Everyone is able to obtain necessary and accurate security information quickly to implement security measures easily and effectively.
- Consultation counters for crimes concerning advanced information and telecommunications networks are created, enabling victims to deal with the crimes quickly upon damaged.

Countermeasures against cyber-terrorism for critical infrastructures - Crisis management functions against so-called cyber-terrorism are enhanced, securing people's safety by proper responses to terrorism, etc. concerning networks of critical infrastructures.

Human resources development, international collaboration, etc. - International efforts for IT security have enhanced, and trans-border socioeconomic activities are made safely.
- Qualification systems concerning IT security are established to develop and ensure high-level human resources in that field.

Back

Major item	Future vision
Ultra high-speed Internet	- Networks, which enable smooth download of high-definition, large-capacity image data, are constructed. - Distribution of very high-quality images, participation in remote events in real time and shopping using 3-D images are enabled at low prices. - Transmission/reception of detailed medical information from remote places is enabled.
High-speed Internet	- Networks, which enable smooth download of music data, etc., are constructed. - TV conferencing, interactive games among gamers, real-time distribution of images, remote home care, etc., will be available.
Transition to the IPv6-based Internet	- The Internet becomes accessible from information consumer electronics and devices other than PCs, without complicated connection operations. - Controlling and utilizing consumer electronics through networks, such as operating air-conditioners and checking content of refrigerators from outside, become possible.
Seamless mobile communications service	- By high-speed mobile Internet access, services such as image/music distribution can be enjoyed at low price. - Through the creation of an access environment equivalent to that of fixed terminals, a seamless network environment will be realized.
Digitization of broadcasting	- High-quality image/sound can be enjoyed, and, through multi-channel and full-fledged data broadcasting, user choices in programs and information will be expanded. - Combined with the Internet, two-way services can be received. - Stable broadcasting can be received even in moving vehicles.

Major item	Future vision
Digitization of school education	- Voluntary and creative learning become possible as students are enabled to search data around the world by using the Internet in classes.
Promotion of the People's Movement for the Spread of IT	- Through utilizing the Internet, people in rural areas can enjoy the latest movies, etc., and the elderly and people with disabilities can participate in community activities as hobbies.
Support for job skills development in the IT area	- All workers exert their full potential, greatly improve efficiency of their work, and easily acquire job opportunities of their choice with skills to use IT.
Active promotion of university reforms	In addition to original research activities, universities become the intellectual bases for local industries and lifelong learning, resulting in the development of diversified human resources and various state-of-the-art technologies.
Fostering digital content creators	- Various digital content such as animation with worldwide popularity can be created, and distributed from Japan to the world via the Internet, etc.

Major item	Future vision
Reviewing regulations for promoting free and diversified economic activities of the private sector	- Regarding application of laws concerning new business methods utilizing IT, advanced confirmation can be made through documents, which promotes and facilitates new business creation. - Undergraduate degrees can be obtained at home via the Internet. - Shareholders are enabled to receive invitation of shareholders' meetings and to exercise voting rights at home.
Creating rules for secure e-commerce	- Every consumer is enabled to conduct e-commerce without caring about troubles on contracts or operational errors such as in clicking. - In case information falling under the category of defamation is posted on websites, etc., prompt and adequate responses minimizing damages by providers, etc. can be expected. - Without fear of forgery or information leakage of credit cards or other cards for payment, users are able to make transactions using those cards at ease.
Proper protection and use of intellectual property rights	- Toward conducts of obtaining domain names identical with or similar to other party's trademarks, etc., for illicit purposes, etc., holders of the trademarks, etc. are enabled to demand injunction or compensation for damages. Furthermore, even in dispute settlement without court proceedings based on international rules, Japanese language is available in the proceedings between Japanese parties. Such measures will solve disputes concerning domain names. - Protection of intellectual property rights becomes thorough, and various attractive digital content can be provided via the Internet.
Consumer protection	- Through proper protection of personal information, consumers are enabled to conduct e-commerce at ease. - At disputes in online shopping, etc., simple and quick dispute settlement is made possible through the use of ADR.
Creating IT base for SMEs	- About half of all SMEs are enabled to conduct e-commerce, etc., by utilizing the Internet.

Major item	Future vision
Electronic provision of administrative information	- In principle, people are able to obtain public information such as organizations/duties of public organizations, plans and results of measures/projects, reports obliged to be released through Official Gazette, press releases on statistical survey results or council reports on websites, 24 hours a day, easily and electronically, in addition to paper documents.
Digitization of procedures such as application and notification	- Practically all procedures such as application and notification are made available via networks, principally 24 hours a day, from home or offices. Examples: Procedures for national tax refunds, telecommunication business, trade regulations, road transportation, shipping, aviation, etc.
Digitization of national revenues and expenditures	- Paying handling charges for application/notification and taxes are made possible via the Internet.
Digitization of procurement processes	- Tendering and bid opening are made possible via the Internet. (On public works, in principle, by FY2004)
Paperless office (electronic information)	- By utilizing local area networks (LANs) of each office and ministry and the Kasumigaseki WAN, deliberations on laws and regulations, notification of various meetings, distribution (circular) of work documents, etc., currently made on a paper-basis inside and among public organizations, are made paperless, or, electronic information.

Major item	Future vision
Digitization in science/ technology and academic research fields	- Universities and research institutions are connected through ultra high-speed research networks. - By utilizing supercomputers through networks, advanced simulations and collaborative researches with remote places are made possible for more advanced research and development.
Digitization in arts and culture fields	- People are able to obtain and use various information on cultural assets and artworks at home via the Internet.
Digitization in health, medical and welfare fields	- By making medical information electronically available, more advanced medical care using databases become possible, and services for patients are expected to improve such as reduced waiting time at hospitals.
Digitization in employment field	- People are able to obtain various employment opportunities information at home via the Internet.
Promotion of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)	- Through screen display with car navigation system, etc., high-quality road traffic information meeting demands are obtained throughout Japan. - Electronic Toll Collection (ETC non-stop automatic toll payment) system, contributing to solving/decreasing traffic jams at tollbooths, become available in major tollbooths all over Japan. - Systems which automatically warn drivers for the purpose of reducing traffic accidents and realizing drastically safe and comfortable drive become available in the Second Tomei and Meishin Expressways.
Digitization in environmental field	- By utilizing artificial satellites, finding illegal dumping is enabled so as to prevent environmental pollution. - Accurate forecast on global environmental changes are made possible, leading to various applications, for example, inventory adjustment of seasonal commodities, or plant cultivation planning in response to abnormal weather.
Promotion of Geographical Information System (GIS)	- Various digitized geographical information are freely combined for diversified uses, such as disaster prevention, urban planning, and environmental or educational applications.
Digitization in disaster prevention	- Various information related with disaster prevention are technically analyzed and shared among relevant organizations and the people to enable prompt responses to disasters.

Major item	Future vision
Preparation of legal system/infrastructure	- Based on objective criteria, effective security technology is introduced. - Network crimes can be punished adequately, and security and order of the Internet, etc., can be maintained.
IT security measures within the government	- Because leakage of personal information and systems down can be prevented, people are able to use e-government at ease.
IT security measures and the public awareness thereof in the private sector	- Everyone is able to obtain necessary and accurate security information quickly to implement security measures easily and effectively. - Consultation counters for crimes concerning advanced information and telecommunications networks are created, enabling victims to deal with the crimes quickly upon damaged.
Countermeasures against cyber-terrorism for critical infrastructures	- Crisis management functions against so-called cyber-terrorism are enhanced, securing people's safety by proper responses to terrorism, etc. concerning networks of critical infrastructures.
Human resources development, international collaboration, etc.	- International efforts for IT security have enhanced, and trans-border socioeconomic activities are made safely. - Qualification systems concerning IT security are established to develop and ensure high-level human resources in that field.