The Potential of ICT to Resolve Social Problems

Our country faces a mountain of social issues to be resolved, including safe and secure countermeasures and revitalizing the economy amid the declining population growth and aging of society.

As the “magic bullet” to solve these issues, great expectations have been placed on Information and Communications Technology or ICT.

	1.	Contributing to Future Deployment of e-Japan Strategies

	2.	From “e” (electronics) toward “u” (ubiquitous)

	3.	The Potential of ICT to Resolve Social Problems

	4.	The u-Japan Concept

There are a number of social problems after 2006, when Japan faces the declining birthrate and aging society.

Basic technology for ICT has already been put into practical application, such as RFID tags and IPv6. In addition, unique and highly advanced applications are being developed, including food traceability and home security systems.

In order to realize by 2010 the “Ubiquitous Network Society,” which will become the next-generation ICT Society, it is absolutely critical that we proceed with the “u-Japan Policy” in a positive and pro-active manner.