On July 6, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) published the “Information and Communications Status Report” (FY 2010 Information and Communications White Paper).
The theme of this special report is “Dynamic Growth through Beneficial Use of ICT” and it analyzes paths toward building a society that utilizes “citizen-oriented” ICT to guarantee the rights of communication for citizens.
Also, a new scheme is being operated to establish an easy-to-use “Information and Communications White Paper Archive” so that the whole nation can make use of Information and Communications White Papers.

1. Theme of special report: “Dynamic Growth through Beneficial Use of ICT”

Part one of the special report is being published in three chapters (please refer to the attached outline).
The first chapter describes how to regenerate regional community bonds, build “stronger relationships,” achieve regional stimulation, and improve convenience for citizens through the promotion of citizen-oriented ICT.
The second chapter examines the effects of “Green ICT” – that is, ICT utilized for tackling global challenges such as environmental problems – and introduces advanced cases of regional activation facilitated by “Green ICT” initiatives.
Furthermore, the third chapter inspects ICT innovation supporting an environment of “collected knowledge and cooperation” that pushes the boundaries of industry for the sake of dynamic growth in Japan, as well as considering trends for reinforced international competitiveness and global expansion to maximize Japan's fortes.
The second chapter also introduces the latest market and policy trends in communications, broadcasting, the Internet, etc.

2. Archive scheme

It has become possible for the full text of all Information and Communications White Papers published since 1973 (known simply as Communications White Papers prior to 2000) to be deposited on a fully searchable Information and Communications White Papers website. This scheme has been devised in order to make an easy to use Information and Communications White Paper Archive, with summary headings attached to each paragraph and diagram, and sources and references linked to URLs, etc.

3. Publishing methods
(1) Publication on Information and Communications White Paper website

• The FY 2010 Information and Communications White Paper (Japanese version (full text and outline)) will be published from July 6, 2010.
• The “2010 Contest for an Information and Communications White Paper Created by All” winner and design from the commendation ceremony (held June 1) will also be published on July 6, 2010.
• The English version (summary and outline) is tentatively scheduled to be published in the middle of August.
• A wide range of columns from experts will be published concerning the FY 2010 Information and Communications White Paper.

(2) Other publications

• The A4 printed color book containing the selected column and front cover design entries from the “2010 Contest for an Information and Communications White Paper Created by All” will be on sale from July 7 (Wed) at major bookstores, government publication service centers and locations where official daily gazettes are sold.
• An e-book with the same contents as described above will shortly be put on sale and will become the first government administration publication to be published electronically.

Attachment

• Attachment: Outline of “2010 Contest for an Information and Communications White Paper Created by All”

Related reports and announcements

• “2010 Contest for Information and Communications White Paper Created by All -Appeal for front cover drawings and columns for FY 2010 Information and Communications White Paper-” (January 15, 2010)
• Commendation at Central Commemoration Ceremony for FY 2010 “Radio Wave Day and Information and Communications Month” (“2010 Contest for an Information and Communications White Paper Created by All” - Commendation from Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications) (June 1, 2010)

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For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
http://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eng/contact.html

International Policy Division,
Global ICT Strategy Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81 3 5253 5374 / FAX: +81 3 5253 5924