As a government task force continues to probe glitches with the My Number system, the fiasco has cast the spotlight on shortcomings in the governance of the digital transformation and raised questions over Japan's preparedness to digitalize its bureaucracy.
The transition from analog to digital in the public sector has been a long-standing challenge for the country, spanning at least the past two decades. Following the emergence of new technologies and new demographic challenges, the bureaucratic apparatus was forced to consider new ways of serving the public.
The establishment of the Digital Agency in September 2021 aimed to streamline and step up ongoing endeavors to create an "inclusive digital revolution." My Number, a 12-digit social security and personal identification number meant to be utilized for a variety of government services, was the cornerstone of this revolution.