Japan Embarks on Digital Revolution, But Resistance Remains
August 9, 2024 – Japan, a nation known for its technological advancements, is finally embracing the digital age by phasing out the use of floppy disks for administrative purposes. This move follows Minister Taro Kono’s initiative to modernize government processes and tackle the challenges associated with an aging population.
Despite the country’s embrace of technological progress, Japan had previously relied on floppy disks for information storage, a practice dating back to the pre-internet era. However, with the advancement of digital technology, the need for physical media gradually diminished.
The transition to a digital landscape has not been without its hurdles. Many sectors of the Japanese economy, particularly traditional industries, are unprepared to abandon the outdated technology. Resistance from employees who find comfort in the authenticity of physical media and concerns over data security have also hindered the process.
In some regions, the transition has proven particularly challenging. For instance, a regional bank in Kyushu continues to process approximately 300 floppy disks daily, weighing a total of 10 kilograms.
The digital revolution has also faced resistance from those who value the symbolic significance of physical media, such as hanko stamps, which hold cultural significance in Japan.
While the use of floppy disks appears to be a thing of the past, other outdated practices remain prevalent. Submitting documents on digital mediums and utilizing fax machines are still common practices in many offices. Minister Kono aims to address these issues by phasing out fax machines and digitizing signatures.