| Finance-related | |
| Q1 | Will Y2K problems stop me withdrawing money? |
| Q2 | Will cash dispensers (CDs) and automated teller machines (ATMs) work normally? |
| Q3 | How can I find out what the financial institutions holding my money are doing about Y2K? |
| Q4 | Are financial institutions completely ready for Y2K? |
| Energy-related | |
| Q1 | Are there really not going to be any power cuts? |
| Q2 | Will my gas supply stop? |
| Q3 | What about gasoline and kerosene? |
| Q4 | How can I find out what the electricity, gas and oil companies are doing to prepare? |
| Q5 | Are the electricity, gas and oil companies completely ready for Y2K? |
| Q6 | Are the oil-producing countries doing enough to keep our oil imports secure? |
| Q7 | Are the nuclear power stations safe? |
| Transport-related | |
| Q1 | Is it safe to use the trains over the change of the year? |
| Q2 | How can I find out what the railway companies are doing to prepare? |
| Q3 | Is it safe to use passenger vessels over the change of the year? |
| Q4 | How can I find out what the passenger vessel operators are doing to prepare? |
| Q5 | Is it safe to use aircraft over the change of the year? |
| Q6 | How can I find out what the airlines are doing to prepare? |
| Communications-related | |
| Q1 | Will telephone services be interrupted? |
| Q2 | I heard mobile phones have no Y2K problems, but is that true? |
| Q3 | Could Internet communications be interrupted? |
| Q4 | Are data communications fully ready for Y2K? |
| Medical-related | |
| Q1 | Is all medical equipment ready for Y2K? |
| Q2 | How can I find out what the hospital I go to is doing to prepare? |
| Q3 | Should I avoid getting medical treatment over the change of the year? |
| Local authority-related | |
| Q1 | Will the services provided by local authorities be trouble-free over the change of the year? |
| Q2 | If there is a problem, who should I contact from the local authorities? |
| Q1 | Will Y2K problems stop me withdrawing money? |
(Answer)
The financial institutions' prime concern is that the Y2K problem should not impede their operations, including repayment of deposits, in any way. To that end they are working diligently to revise their computer systems and run internal tests on them.
The financial institutions are also preparing contingency plans to be executed in the event of Y2K-related problems. For example, according to a survey by the National Bank Association, the banking industry's plans include preparing backups (extra records) of all deposit data at the end of the year so it cannot be lost, and printing out that data on paper to make sure deposits can be paid out.
In addition, the Bank of Japan is storing an adequate supply of banknotes to ensure that even if there is a tendency among depositors to withdraw their deposits ahead of the end of the year, banks will be able to meet the increased demand for cash easily.
Thus the financial institutions and all involved with them are working to make sure depositors can rest assured that they can to withdraw money if they need to. They will continue to work to ensure complete readiness.
| Q2 | Will cash dispensers (CDs) and automated teller machines (ATMs) work normally? |
(Answer)
The financial institutions are working diligently to revise their computer systems and run internal tests on them to ensure that no Y2K-related problems will interrupt their operations, including repayments of deposits through CDs and ATMs.
Connection tests have been conducted twice (in April and May) on the CD/ ATM networks used by the various types of financial institution (city banks, long-term credit banks, commerce and industry banks, trust banks, regional banks, second-tier regional banks, credit associations and unions, workers' credit unions, networked agricultural cooperatives and fishermen's credit associations). These tests confirmed that the systems would be able to handle all operations without trouble on both 4th January and the leap year date (29th February).
| Q3 | How can I find out what the financial institutions holding my money are doing about Y2K? |
(Answer)
Information on financial institutions' Y2K-related responses and actions can be found on their Internet websites, posters and pamphlets displayed in their branches, and in their disclosure magazines and financial statements.
For details, refer to the websites of financial institutions you do business with.
(References)
| Q4 | Are financial institutions completely ready for Y2K? |
(Answer)
The state of readiness at the end of March 1999 was that 99% of financial institutions (financial institution handling deposits etc., insurance companies, securities companies etc.) expected to have completed revisions to all important systems which could impact customer transactions by the end of June 1999. In addition, 98% of companies expected to have completed internal testing of those systems by that time.
By the end of June 1999, all major banks, regional banks and second-tier regional banks reported to the Financial Supervisory Agency that they had completed both their revisions and tests.
In particular, since December 1998 the Bank of Japan, the National Banks Association, the Tokyo Stock Exchange and other institution have conducted numerous joint external tests of settlement systems, which are the most important of all the main systems. Specifically, they have tested Bank of Japan Net, Japanese Bankers System and the settlement and transaction systems of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Based on the results of these tests of the various settlement systems, the Bank of Japan says that the transfer of data with year 2000 dates was basically handled normally.
The financial institutions have now shifted the focus of their efforts from computer readiness to the preparation of contingency plans and are working steadily towards that end. By the end of June a considerable number had already completed their own contingency plans and were working to refine them through dry-run rehearsals.
Thus the financial institutions have largely completed their Y2K preparations and are working to improve their level of readiness still further.
| Q1 | Are there really not going to be any power cuts? |
(Answer)
In preparing for the Y2K problem, just as in preparing for earthquakes and natural disasters, it is important to devise measures to ensure the soundness of equipment and to make full preparations for responding to any problems which may arise.
The government receives reports from electricity companies on the results of their comprehensive tests for Y2K compliance, and conducts individual interviews where necessary, and uses third-party committees of outside experts to test the measures being taken by the electricity companies. Through these efforts, the government is working to ensure that readiness is complete. As a result, the steps now being taken by the electricity companies appear to be appropriate and the likelihood of power cuts resulting from Y2K-related problems suffered by them is very low.
Some impact on the supply of electricity can be expected due to extremely large fluctuations in the load from electricity users, but the electricity companies already have systems for responding to such unexpected situations. In addition, their recently-announced Y2K contingency plans include strengthened readiness to deal swiftly and appropriately with unforeseeable situations, including fluctuating load from users. These measures will be quite adequate for the New Year period.
The government will continue to work to make sure that the companies concerned are fully prepared for the Y2K problem and will be able to conduct highly effective crisis management if the need arises.
| Q2 | Will my gas supply stop? |
(Answer)
In preparing for the Y2K problem, just as in preparing for earthquakes and natural disasters, it is important to devise measures to ensure the soundness of equipment and to make full preparations for responding to any problems which may arise.
The government receives reports from the four major gas companies (Tokyo, Osaka, Toho and Seibu) on the results of their comprehensive tests for Y2K compliance, and conducts individual interviews where necessary, and uses third-party committees of outside experts to test the measures being taken by the gas companies. Through these efforts, the government is working to ensure that readiness is complete. As a result, the steps now being taken by the gas companies appear to be appropriate. In addition, the government is checking that all the regional city gas operators which use computers to control the manufacture and supply of gas are working on the same methods adopted by the four gas companies mentioned above. Therefore the likelihood of gas supply cuts resulting from Y2K-related problems suffered by gas operators is very low.
The gas companies already have systems for responding to such unexpected situations. In addition, their recently-announced Y2K contingency plans include strengthened readiness to deal swiftly and appropriately with unforeseeable situations, including fluctuating load from users. These measures will be quite adequate for the New Year period.
The government will continue to work to make sure that the companies concerned are fully prepared for the Y2K problem and will be able to conduct highly effective crisis management if the need arises.
| Q3 | What about gasoline and kerosene? |
(Answer)
[Oil refiners]
Gasoline and kerosene are refined from crude oil by oil refiners. By June 1999 the oil refineries of the oil refiners had made 91% of their major control systems Y2K compliant. By October all such systems will be ready, which means there will be no impediments to the production of gasoline, kerosene, light oil or other products.
In the unlikely event that oil refining equipment stopped due to Y2K-related problems, inventory of the refined products is adequate and they can be shipped manually. Therefore the available inventory will cover the period until production resumes.
[SS operators]
A survey of the sellers of refined petroleum products (SS), who distribute gasoline and kerosene, was conducted at the end of June to evaluate their efforts to prepare for Y2K. The survey found that most SS operators who use computer control systems were scheduled be ready by the end of the year. Therefore there will be almost no impediment to the supply of gasoline and kerosene.
In the unlikely event of some Y2K-related problem, petrol pumps can be switched from automatic to manual operation to continue filling, which will provide an adequate supply.
| Q4 | How can I find out what the electricity, gas and oil companies are doing to prepare? |
Information on measures taken by the electricity industry can be found on the website published by the Federation of Electric Power Companies. Each company's website also has information on the company's state of readiness. These websites can all be accessed through links from the Federation of Electric Power Companies' website.
Information on measures taken by the gas industry can be found on the website published by the Japan Gas Association. The local offices of each gas company are ready to answer enquiries and can be used to check information directly on that company's readiness. The big four gas companies (Tokyo, Osaka, Toho and Seibu) also have their own websites which can be accessed through links from the Japan Gas Association's website.
Information on measures taken by the oil industry can be found on the website published by the Petroleum Association of Japan. Information on the readiness of each oil company can be found on the Petroleum Association of Japan Website, but if more detailed information is required the website also provides contacts for the relevant staff in each company for direct enquiries (some oil companies also have websites).
MITI Resources and Energy Agency is collating information on the readiness of the energy field and publishing on the Internet and through other channels.
| Q5 | Are the electricity, gas and oil companies completely ready for Y2K? |
The Resources and Energy Agency has been calling for electricity, gas and oil companies to take thorough measures for Y2K readiness, and has demanded quarterly reports on their states of readiness. By the end of June nearly all systems were ready.
Specifically, the states of readiness of the various industries are as described below.
1. Electricity
By the end of June, dry-run tests had been conducted on 98.8% of the important control systems (*1) used by electricity companies (the figure is an average of the completion rates of each company, as are figures stated below). The rate is scheduled to rise to 99.4% by the end of September and 100% by the end of November. Some power stations will not be tested until the time of their scheduled regular inspections, which is why some will not be ready before the end of November, but other power stations of the same types will have been tested before then and the experience will be applicable, so it has been confirmed that the timing of the last tests will not cause problems.
The rate of completion for important administrative processing systems (*2) was 98.2%. Other than some systems which will not be fully checked due to the timing of scheduled system updates, all have been tested.
*1 Important control systems
Overall control equipment for generation plant, systems which directly control the supply of electricity, such as central electricity supply command centers, and systems associated with such systems that perform monitoring and recording functions.
*2 Important administrative processing systems
Business management systems, accounting systems, material procurement management systems etc.
2. Gas
By the end of June, dry-run tests had been conducted on all important control systems (*1) for the big four city gas companies, other than one system which is currently undergoing hardware renewal (the dry-run test completion rate is 98.9%). The update and dry-run testing of the last system are scheduled for completion by the end of September.
Testing of all important administrative processing systems (*2) was complete by the end of June 1999.
*1 Important control systems
Operation management and plant control systems which directly control the manufacture and supply of gas, and systems associated with such systems that perform monitoring and recording functions.
*2 Important administrative processing systems
User information systems, accounting systems, material procurement management systems etc.
3. Oil
By the end of June, dry-run tests had been conducted on 91% of important control systems (*1) for oil refiners and original suppliers. Important control systems are tested on the actual equipment when it is regularly inspected and it is said that it is not vulnerable to any problems. The inspections of most refining plant are scheduled this fall, which means the readiness of all systems will be checked by October.
The test completion rate for important administrative processing systems is 94%. Due to the schedule for system updates, the completion of testing of all systems is scheduled for September.
*1 Important control systems
Refinery equipment control systems, process operation control, shipment and reception equipment control systems etc.
*2 Important administrative processing systems
Sales management systems, distribution management systems, accounting systems etc.
| Q6 | Are the oil-producing countries doing enough to keep our oil imports secure? |
(Answer)
Japan receives over 80% of crude oil imports from oil-producing countries in the Middle East. Most of those countries rely on crude oil for a majority of their public finances. Such countries make the continuation of crude oil production their highest priority and they are vigorously tackling the Y2K problem.
According to the replies received from Japanese oil companies and information obtained through diplomatic channels, most of the national oil companies and the major oil companies which supply Japan with crude oil are scheduled to complete Y2K preparations within the year.
Furthermore, Japan holds sufficient oil reserves, combining both private and public sector reserves, to meet demand for 160 days. Therefore even if the supply of crude oil reaching Japan became inadequate, the use of reserves will cover the country's needs.
| Q7 | Are the nuclear power stations safe? |
(Answer)
MITI has demanded that electricity companies which own nuclear power stations carry out comprehensive tests of their Y2K compliance. In December 1998 MITI organized a committee of outside experts, " Nuclear Power Station Y2K Committee", (Chairman Kenichi Hasegawa, Professor at Hosei University) to survey and test the actions taken by electricity companies.
This committee has examined the status of investigations and revisions and collated its findings on each of the 51 nuclear power stations now in operation, through six committee meetings and two inspection visits. The committee has found that appropriate measures are being taken to investigate and revise all the nuclear power stations now operating in Japan, and has judged that the Y2K problem will not affect the safety and the stable operation of nuclear power stations. The findings were reported to the Nuclear Power Safety Committee on 21st June.
The electricity companies also publish the details of their reports on investigations and revisions of their plants.
Electricity operators already have systems for responding to such unexpected situations. In addition, their recently-announced Y2K contingency plans include strengthened readiness to deal swiftly and appropriately with unforeseeable situations, including fluctuating load from users. These measures will be quite adequate for the New Year period.
The government will continue to work to make sure that the companies concerned are fully prepared for the Y2K problem and will be able to conduct highly effective crisis management if the need arises.
| Q1 | Is it safe to use the trains over the change of the year? |
(Answer)
The systems used on the railways, such as the signaling devices in station buildings which control points and signals for safe train movement, and safety-related movement control systems such as automatic train controllers (ATC) and automatic train stoppers (ATS) do not use date-related information. Therefore there is no risk of accidents due to the Y2K problem.
The train movement management systems which make sure trains move according to the timetable use date-related information, but the train operators are now working steadily to take the necessary steps to revise these systems. In addition, all the train operators will adopt contingency plans to ensure full readiness for the New Year period.
| Q2 | How can I find out what the rail companies are doing to prepare? |
(Answer)
Most railway companies publicize their Y2K preparation measures through their websites, PR magazines and other channels. Information can be obtained from these sources, or through direct enquiries to the railway companies. The Ministry of Transport website contains information on the Y2K readiness of all forms of transport, including railways.
[UTL of Ministry of Transport]
http://www.motnet.go.jp/KOHO98/com2000_.htm
| Q3 | Is it safe to use passenger boats over the change of the year? |
(Answer)
The operators of passenger vessels are making steady progress in various preparatory operations, including dry-run tests, and the necessary measures have largely been completed.
In addition, all the passenger vessel operators will adopt contingency plans to ensure full readiness for the New Year period.
Furthermore, all engines related to the propulsion of vessels can be operated manually.
| Q4 | How can I find out what the passenger vessel operators are doing to prepare? |
(Answer)
All passenger vessel operators are preparing Y2K countermeasures and they can be contacted directly for further information.
Some passenger vessel operators also have websites on which they present information on their Y2K preparations.
The Ministry of Transport website contains information on the Y2K readiness of all forms of transport, including passenger vessels.
[Examples of UTLs for passenger vessel operators]
Blue Highway Line http://www.sunflower.co.jp/
Shin Nihonkai Ferry http://www.snf.co.jp/
[UTL of the Ministry of Transport]
http://www.motnet.go.jp/KOHO98/com2000_.htm
| Q5 | Is it safe to use aircraft over the change of the year? |
(Answer)
Revisions and other preparations of Japan's air traffic controls, airlines and airports are largely complete. From now on work will proceed with the preparation of contingency plans covering flights into and out of Japan on international routes and on domestic routes within Japan at the time of the shift to 2000. These plans will complete readiness to ensure that passengers can board aircraft flying between December 31st and January 1st with peace of mind.
For international routes, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is scheduled to complete its report on the readiness of foreign air traffic controls, airports and airlines around the world by the end of August. The Ministry of Transport will vigorously publicize and distribute any necessary information based on the ICAO's findings.
| Q6 | How can I find out what the airlines are doing to prepare? |
(Answer)
Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Air System (JAS) and other airlines have websites which provide information on their Y2K readiness. The All Japan Air Transport and Service Association has a website which presents information on the readiness and progress of the airline industry.
In addition, airlines can be contacted directly for information.
The Ministry of Transport website contains information on the Y2K readiness of all forms of transport, including air travel.
[UTLs of airline companies]
| Q1 | Will telephone services be interrupted? |
(Answer)
Nearly all telephone-related equipment was checked and revised by the end of June and there is apparently no danger of the Y2K problem disabling telephones.
| Q2 | I heard mobile phones have no Y2K problems, but is that true? |
(Answer)
Nearly all mobile telephone-related equipment was checked and revised by the end of June and there is apparently no danger of the Y2K problem disabling mobile telephones.
| Q3 | Could Internet communications be interrupted? |
(Answer)
The routers and other equipment that transmit and exchange signals over the Internet do not handle year numbers, so there is apparently almost no risk of major failures of basic communications functions due to the Y2K problem.
| Q4 | Are data communications fully ready for Y2K? |
(Answer)
[The telecommunications field]
Nearly all preparations, including dry-run testing, for important systems concerning telephones and private communication lines were completed by the end of June and all such preparations are scheduled to be complete by the end of September.
[The broadcasting field]
A survey conducted at the end of June found that dry-run tests had been completed for 80% of important control systems. By the end of September nearly all such tests are scheduled for completion.
| Q1 | Is all medical equipment ready for Y2K? |
(Answer)
The manufacturers and importers of medical equipment used in medical institutions are checking the possibility of Y2K-related problems arising in such equipment. They must report to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on any medical equipment which could suffer problems. To date, only one medical appliance has been reported as potentially causing health risks, and work has already begun on correcting the problem. No other reports have been received on potentially harmful medical equipment.
The Ministry will continue to conduct thorough investigations and guidance of manufactures to make sure they are fully prepared.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare website (http://www.mhw.go.jp/) includes quarterly reports of the findings of investigations into the Y2K readiness of medical equipment manufacturers and medical appliances which are reported to be vulnerable to Y2K-related problems.
| Q2 | How can I find out what the hospital I go to is doing to prepare? |
(Answer)
In addition to the efforts of the manufacturers of medical equipment, medical institution are asked to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their medical equipment.
A survey of key medical institutions conducted in June 1999 found that 97% of medical institutions had started revision and other operations on their medical equipment. Further progress is expected in these preparations.
The state of readiness at the individual medical institutions where you receive treatment can be checked by contacting it directly.
(Note)
| Q3 | Should I avoid getting medical treatment over the change of the year? |
(Answer)
The Ministry of Health and Welfare is monitoring and guiding medical institutions and the manufacturers of medical equipment to ensure their full Y2K readiness.
In particular, key medical institutions which use large numbers of advanced medical devices are given closer guidance to ensure complete readiness.
Thus it appears the medical institutions are taking the necessary steps to ensure nothing will impede their ability to provide medical care over the New year period, but we advise patients to check for themselves the state of Y2K readiness at the medical institution where they ordinarily receive treatment.
| Q1 | Will the services provided by local authorities be trouble-free over the change of the year? |
(Answer)
The government is asking local authorities to follow government action plans in moving through the revision of systems (equipment) owned and dry-run testing to completion as soon as possible, and steady progress is being made. Bodies which have yet to complete dry-run tests or other steps are scheduled to take such steps soon and the likelihood of major problems in local authority services over the New Year period appears to be very low indeed.
Each local authority is now working on its contingency plan to make sure it can take swift countermeasures against any unexpected problems which may arise, so that they will not have any impact on the public.
| Q2 | If there is a problem, who should I contact from the local authorities? |
(Answer)
The Ministry of Home Affairs asks that all local authorities establish organizations spanning all departments (such as Y2K Countermeasures Working Group) to deal with Y2K-related issues and all local authorities are planning to comply.
Each authority circulates the contact numbers etc. for its Y2K unit in its publications or through other channels and the public should direct their enquiries accordingly.