#Japan #Tokyo #My Number System #Sugawara Yuichi #Health Insurance Card

Gaps in Understanding the My Number System: Results from a Recent Survey

As Japan prepares for significant changes in the My Number system, including the discontinuation of health insurance cards from August 2026, public understanding remains alarmingly inconsistent. A recent survey was commissioned by Yuichi Sugawara, a tax accountant and the creator of the popular YouTube channel "脱・税理士スガワラくん" (Datsu Zeirishi Sugawara-kun), targeting 300 individuals aged between 20 and 70 across the country to gauge their awareness and understanding of the system's mechanics.

The findings from this survey not only highlight the awareness levels but also indicate that there are still significant gaps in the population's comprehension of the nuances involved in the My Number system. Let's explore the key results and implications of this survey, particularly focusing on the impending cessation of traditional health insurance cards and what it means for the general public.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Period: April 10, 2026
• - Method: Online survey
• - Participants: 300 men and women aged between 20 and 70, equally distributed by decade
• - Conducted by: Freeasy

Note: Please acknowledge "脱・税理士スガワラくん 調べ" when citing this release.

Key Findings

The survey revealed that while more than 60% of respondents were aware that the health insurance card would be discontinued, an alarming 25% admitted they were unaware of this critical detail.

Additionally, when questioned about the expiration of My Number cards, over 30% stated they were not familiar with the concept. Although nearly 80% understood that the My Number card requires updating, many lacked detailed knowledge about the differences between the expiration of the card itself (which lasts 10 years) and its electronic certificate (5 years).

The majority of respondents (over 70%) acknowledged the necessity of My Number cards in the future, grasping their emerging status as essential components of daily life.

Detailed Findings

1. Awareness of Insurance Card Discontinuation:
When asked if they knew that health insurance cards would become invalid from August 2026, 38.7% indicated they fully understood the details, while an additional 24% knew of the change but lacked detailed awareness. This leaves around 24.7% uninformed.

2. Utilization in Healthcare:
In response to which identification would be used in healthcare settings, 65.3% favored the My Number health insurance card, revealing a preference for this option over the alternative, the qualification confirmation document (19.3%). Over 15% were uncertain about their choices.

3. Understanding of Expirations:
On the topic of My Number card durations, only 41.7% correctly identified the separate expiration periods for the card and its electronic features, while 31.7% were either unaware of any expiration or knew neither duration.

4. Awareness of Card Updates:
While 76% recognized the need for updates, specific knowledge about differing expiry periods and consequences of not updating was surprisingly low.

5. Future Necessity:
When asked if they believed the My Number card would be necessary in the future, 73.3% stated they either probably would or definitely would need it, against 26.6% who felt otherwise.

Sugawara's Insights on the Changes

As the transition to the My Number health insurance card unfolds, it is crucial to clarify misconceptions associated with it. The perceived discontinuation of the My Number card has been misinterpreted; it signifies a transition to an updated card, not the elimination of the system itself. While the timeline for this transition has been extended to 2028, the impact on health insurance remains paramount.

One must be aware that starting from August 2026, without a My Number health insurance card or qualification confirmation document, one will be unable to receive medical services. Furthermore, attention is required concerning the distinct expiration dates for the My Number card and the electronic certificate, especially for those who obtained their cards during the initial rollout period.

Challenges with Adoption

The government has implemented various incentives to promote the My Number card's adoption, but as of now, only around 50% have transitioned to utilizing it for healthcare. Although having a My Number card can facilitate tasks like obtaining residence certificates at convenience stores, the public's full engagement with the system remains in progress.

Conclusion

The impending changes to the My Number system starting from April 2026 necessitate a clearer understanding among the population. While newer alternatives exist, such as the qualification confirmation document, many are still unaware of the system’s inner workings. Thus, tailored communication and education around these topics are essential to bridge the current understanding gaps, preparing citizens for the digitized administrative future that awaits.

About Yuichi Sugawara

Born in 1975, Yuichi Sugawara is a tax accountant based in Tokyo. He specializes in tax savings and cash flow management. His YouTube channel has over 1.6 million subscribers, and his blogs and publications have garnered significant attention, establishing him as a thought leader in the finance sector.