Interesting People mailing list archives
Japan: Urgent Report by Minkan Joho Rincho
From: David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>
Date: Mon, 27 Jun 1994 19:34:06 -0400
From: Gateway Japan Project <gwjapan () umd5 umd edu> CC: Kumon () glocom ac jp *UNOFFICIAL* Translation of "Urgent Report by Minkan Joho Rincho" [Translator's Note: The following is an unofficial rendering of the original report posted June 21 and 23 by Chiemi Hoshino (chiemi () glocom ac jp) and Shumpei Kumon (shumpei () glocom ac jp), respectively. Any errors or misunderstandings are my own. - LG] URGENT REPORT ON THE PROMOTION OF ADVANCED "INFORMATIONIZATION" (JOHOKA) The realization of an advanced information society is effecting unfathomable changes to international society, not to mention Japan. This extends not only to the economy, but to all areas including society, culture, politics, administration, etc. Today, with the historical transition from industrialized society to advanced information society, a new paradigm is being sought for the improvement of Japan's productivity and enrichment of the national livelihood. Information society impacts on the national livelihood as well. It provides a great leap in convenience to the nation, promotes the activation and creativity of each person, and creates the vital energy of society. This is also the path to becoming the prosperous and ample lifestyle superpower as advocated by the government. Meanwhile, Japan's industrial sector is languishing in business infrastructure due to the protracted recession. Also, problems to be solved in the industrial sector are mounting, such as the reduction of international competitiveness and improvement of productivity in an industry of reduced productivity. Advanced informationization is the key to a future that solves all the problems Japan's society and industry are facing. Toward its realization, measures resting on reformist concepts held in common by government and the people will determine its success or failure. Elimination of the factors obstructing realization of the advanced information society stalls U.S.-Japan talks and summits, and its urgency is a matter of great concern in the nation. In the realization of the advanced information society, measures applying the total public and private efforts are required. The "Joho Shin Seiki Kaigi" (Committee for the New Century of Information), aware of its own central role in promoting and painting a clear vision of informationization, promotes the reform of consciousness toward informationization with the entrepeneur in mind. At the same time, it conducts illuminatory activities oriented toward the consensus of society as a whole. Also, it strives to solve its own problems while establishing an environment for the review of commercial practices that hinder informationization. Expecting as well strong measures of support from the government for private efforts, the quasi-private organization, Joho Shin Seiki Kaigi, makes the following urgent proposal to the government. PROPOSAL 1. System for Promotion 1) To realize the advanced information society, construction of a grand national design and development of reformist policies founded on a clear vision are necessary. 2) Each ministry has made efforts toward the realization of the advanced information society in accordance with its respective roles. However, in order to resolve difficult problems such as unification and regulation of policies of each ministry, strong leadership of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is henceforth required. 3) For example, one may consider the establishment of a "Committee for the Promotion of Advanced Informationization," to be headed by the Prime Minister. 4) Also, for each measure of policy, a system that correctly and continuously grasps the will of the people (user) is necessary. 2. New Social Capital Infrastructure 1) In order to respond to the transition from industrialized society to information society, a new capital infrastructure related to advanced informationization should be urgently and strongly promoted. 2) In order to promote advanced informationization, it is necessary to change the way of thinking for public investment up to now, and to modify its framework and distribution. 3) Also, in the compilation of the budget, a special stage of concern is expected for the management expenses of promoting informationization of the very operations of each ministry as well as those of public investment. 3. Review of the System Toward Advanced Informationization 1) The progress of Japan's deregulation is of great concern within international society and within the country. 2) For public and private enterprises, it is necessary to plan for the guarantee of fair and free competition and stimulation of the marketplace. 3) The things now being sought in order to realize advanced informationization will tap the national livelihood to the fullest extent. It will be difficult to respond premised on pre-existing regulations. 4) Regulations should be reviewed based on the concept of "free in principle, regulation as exception", which is based on the position of profit. 5) In order to promote informationization, all laws and regulations should be comprehensively reviewed including those related to information and telecommunications. 4. International Harmonization 1) Japan has its own vision about the concept of GII (Global Information Infrastructure), and should make a genuine international contribution. In particular, a unified system of public and private interests is necessary in order to respond to European and American promotional systems. --- End of Report --- Joho Shin Seiki Kaigi [Committee for the New Century of Information] (commonly called "Minkan Joho Rincho") 1. Purpose To present to the people at large the desiderata for the advanced information society, to propose policies to be adopted by the government, by means of which to plan for the realization of the advanced information society at the head of the 21st century. 2. Organization Director Masao Kamei (Chairman of Japan Productivity Center for Socio-Economic Development) Chairman Ken Moroi (Chairman, Chichibu Cement) Staff Shumpei Kumon (Director, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan) Etsuya Washio (Secretary General, Japan Federation of Trade Unions) Members 13 names 3. Special Committees Special Committee on Lifestyle and Society (Chair: Tadao Saito, Professor, Tokyo University) 21 members To compile policies for the development and concretization of the advanced information society in its lifestyle and social aspects. Special Committee on Industry (Chair: Kaneo Nakamura, Advisor, Industrial Bank of Japan) 22 members To compile policies for the development and concretization of the advanced information society in its industrial aspects. Offices of the Committee are conducted at Shakai Seisansei Hombu. 4. Follow-Up The Committee is planning further activities directed at the government and national level of public discourse, including symposia at appropriate times, and discussions bringing together relevant officials. Chiemi Hoshino [chiemi () glocom ac jp] Center for Global Communications International University of Japan 5-2-32 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106 TEL: 03-3449-7225 FAX: 03-3449-7744
Current thread:
- Japan: Urgent Report by Minkan Joho Rincho David Farber (Jun 27)