#Japan #Tokyo #Cloud Services #Digital Agency #AI Guidelines

Overview of the 19th Meeting of the Digital Society Promotion Council

On May 27, 2025, Japan's Digital Agency held its 19th meeting of the Digital Society Promotion Council, a key milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to embrace digital transformation. This meeting, conducted in writing, emphasized the agency's role in spearheading initiatives that will shape the future of Japan's digital society. The aim is to create a robust digital infrastructure at a rapid pace, one that fosters collaboration between the government and private sectors.

Key Objectives of the Meeting

The council convened to review and discuss several critical agenda items:

• - Revisions to the Digital Government Promotion Standard Guidelines
• - Updates on Domain Management Guidelines concerning website maintenance and discontinuation
• - Basic Policies for the Appropriate Use of Cloud Services in Government Information Systems
• - Drafting AI Guidelines for the Procurement and Utilization of Generative AI in Administration

Each item represents a significant step forward in Japan's digital governance landscape. The revisions to the Digital Government Promotion Standard Guidelines aim to enhance the efficacy of public services through the integration of digital technologies. Meanwhile, updates to domain management guidelines will ensure that the government’s online presence remains reliable and user-friendly, while also addressing the need to phase out outdated web assets.

Embracing Cloud Technology

Another focal point of the meeting was the necessary strategies for appropriately leveraging cloud services in government information systems. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Digital Agency recognizes the importance of establishing guidelines that promote secure and efficient cloud adoption. This is vital for maintaining the integrity and availability of government services.

Generative AI in Public Administration

Perhaps one of the most discussed subjects was the guidelines related to generative AI. As artificial intelligence technology rapidly advances, the government is committed to embracing innovation that can enhance administrative processes. The council reviewed draft guidelines intended to facilitate the integration of generative AI in public services, ensuring that procurement methodologies, utilization parameters, and compliance checks are effectively addressed.

Resources for Further Understanding

To facilitate these discussions, participants were provided with various materials, including:

• - Proposals for the Revisions of the Digital Government Standard Guidelines (PDF)
• - Suggested Changes to Domain Management Guidelines (PDF)
• - Draft Policy on Cloud Services (PDF)
• - Initial Guidelines on AI Utilization in Government (PDF)

These documents aim to provide a comprehensive picture of the council's objectives and the overarching vision for Japan's digital future.

Conclusion

The Digital Agency continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a future-ready digital society. By fostering a shared understanding and collaboration between government and private sectors, Japan positions itself to lead in the digital era. The discussions and decisions made during this meeting underline a proactive approach to integrating emerging technologies into public services, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of global digital innovation.

For more information on the initiatives discussed, interested parties can refer to the Digital Agency's official publications and updates.