Commerce and Information Policy Bureau

17th Tokyo International Film Festival, the largest in Japan
(Photo: Tokyo International Film Festival Organization Committee)

Consumers today want to communicate via the Internet and mobile information terminals; they want to enjoy films, music and games; they want to polish their skills to further their careers; they want cheaper and more convenient shopping. The permeation of information communications technology and the development of the service and distribution industries are vital elements in realizing our individual values and leading rich lives. The development of new businesses in these areas is also essential in adding value to and stimulating Japan's economic and industrial activities.
The Commerce and Information Policy Bureau is engaged in the design of a wide range of measures to promote informatization, develop the service and distribution industries, and protect consumers. In doing so, the Bureau takes the perspective of both individuals and the economy, with the ultimate goal of creating a richer 21st-century socioeconomy.

>	Creating the Net society of the future

Towards an advanced information communications society

Next-generation film display

The IT revolution is in the process of transforming our daily lives, our economy and our society.
The popularization of the Internet and the development of mobile phones, mobile information terminals and home information appliances are examples of the swift permeation of information technology into every facet of our lives. We are reaching the point where anyone will be able to access and send information as required at any time from any location, enabling us to lead more fulfilling lives.
In the economy and industry too, by strategically utilizing IT for management, companies can not only rationalize management efficiency through shortened lead-times, reduced warehouse time, and stronger corporate international competitiveness, but also pioneer new businesses geared to the Net era.
Moreover, in society as a whole, information technology is being introduced into areas such as administration, education, medical care, welfare, and transport. To provide a catalyst for the introduction of this technology across the entire society, the government is pursuing an electronic government strategy designed to shift administrative procedures online. These trends should encourage the more effective and sophisticated provision of public services.
We aim to create a society in which everyone will be able to enjoy the convenience of IT. The Commerce and Information Policy Bureau is currently promoting the introduction of IT into schools, designing information security measures, developing e-commerce rules, training high-level human resources, developing advanced information communications technology, and working to provide high-quality public services.

>	Developing the service industry for more fulfilling lifestyles

Medical care and welfare compete on quality
Have you ever thought about the quality of medical care or welfare? The supply of high-quality medical care and welfare services will be a critical issue as Japanese society ages. Our Bureau is actively promoting the introduction of information technology into these areas, and also working to develop and disseminate medical equipment and welfare appliances to be used in hospitals, nursing homes and ordinary households.

Appropriate content protection for world-leading Japanese culture, games and animation
Japan's media content industry, including movies, games and animation, has been establishing a solid reputation around the world. "Pocket Monster (Pokemon)," which started as a computer game, has won the hearts of children all over the world and its character products enjoy a market size of over 2 trillion yen in total. The Bureau will enhance the competitiveness of the Japanese media content industry in the global market and make people overseas aware of its products.

>	A message to the world! "Sustainable Development with Nature's Wisdom"

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visits the EXPO on his appointment as honorary chairman (Sept. 2004)

EXPO 2005 AICHI JAPAN will be held from March 25 through September 25, 2005 in Aichi Prefecture. The EXPO will send out a message to touch every visitor's heart under the theme of "Nature's Wisdom."

>	Convenient shopping for high-quality, low-cost goods

More efficient distribution

Image of the future distribution industry: Venus Fort, a shopping center incorporating space for amenities

Consumer needs are transforming the face of retail as Internet business booms and retail fuses with financial services. As the infrastructure supporting industry, distribution must become more efficient. The Commerce and Information Policy Bureau is promoting IC-based informatization as well as joint transportation and delivery for a more efficient distribution system seeking to realize environment-conscious logistics through the "Green Distribution Partnership Conference" and other means.
The Bureau is also dealing with the impact of large stores on the living environment pursuant to the Law concerning the Measures by Large-Scale Retail Stores for Preservation of Living Environment, and working to revitalize city centers as part of the development of a retail industry built into the fabric of the local community.

New money and new rules
Credit is a convenient means of settlement which has begun to boom in recent years, but the number of problems has also increased as, for example, some shoppers pile up multiple debts. E-commerce is also not without its dangers.
The Bureau is working on the creation of rules for e-commerce transactions and for the protection of personal credit information. The Bureau is also working on the development of a highly trustworthy and convenient commodity futures market as industrial infrastructure, that functions to hedge price fluctuation risks and to create fair price indices.

>	Consumers as economic players: New directions in consumer administration

Video to caution people against malicious sales techniques

Recently, an increasing number of consumers are facing problems, especially those caused by malicious businesses targeting elderly people, or by illegal acts committed over the Internet. The Commerce and Information Policy Bureau has been tackling this problem by upgrading and strictly enforcing transaction rules, as well as informing consumers about illegal businesses, so that consumers can shop safely. For greater consumer safety, we have also laid down safety standards applicable to electric appliances and other everyday items.