The public and private sectors should make a concerted effort to build a "Japan-inspired information technology society" through use of the nation's cutting-edge technology, according to the government
With the rapid diffusion of broadband services in Japan and a slowdown in a U.S.-led IT boom, "Japan is shifting from a 'catchup' phase to playing a leading role" in developing the IT sector on a global scale, the government said in a white paper released Friday.
Information and Communications in Japan: White Paper 2003 was put out by the Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications Ministry. The ministry has drawn up the paper annually since 1973.