ture implementation is “using apps to encourage excursions, long stays, and consumption” (16.0 percent).

As large numbers of visitors to Japan are expected during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, MIC is moving ahead with efforts in three areas: (1) establishing infrastructure; (2) promoting ICT use and application; and (3) communicating the attractions of Japan.

### d. Transportation initiatives

In the area of transportation, the local government survey found the most common initiatives that local governments are currently either running or participating in / cooperating with are “on-demand transportation” (24.1 percent) and “real-time transportation information systems or bus location systems” (12.7 percent). In contrast to current initiatives, the most notable transportation initiative that local governments are planning or studying for future implementation is “real-time transportation information systems or bus location systems” (11.5 percent).

### 3. ICT use and application in social and economic fields

## (1) Examples of ICT applications in medical care and healthcare

Japan, which has developed into a full-blown super-aging society, is confronting many issues, including a shrinking working-age population and fast-rising medical expenses. And just as it is important to have a society in which all citizens can maintain their health and live autonomously for as long as possible, as well as be able to live with reassurance in communities they are familiar with while having access to high-quality medical and nursing services when they fall ill, it is also important to construct a society that can deliver economic growth.

### a. Local government survey results on medical care and healthcare

For the purposes of the local government survey, ICT use in the medical care and healthcare field was divided into medical care / nursing and social welfare. In the area of medical care / nursing, the local government survey found the most common initiatives that local governments are currently either running or participating in / cooperating with are “radiation imaging diagnoses and telediagnoses” (14.2 percent) and “electronic medical record coordination” (11.3 percent). In contrast to current initiatives, the most common future initiatives cited were “electronic medical record coordination” (13.3 percent), “emergency telemedicine” (8.1 percent), “local information collaboration for paramedic staff” (7.6 percent), and “home telediagnoses” (7.0 percent).

In the area of social welfare, the local government survey found the most common initiatives that local governments are currently either running or participating in / cooperating with are “provision of child support information” (29.7 percent), “sharing information on people needing support” (20.0 percent), and “protection / safety confirmation” (16.6 percent). In contrast to current initiatives, the most common future initiatives cited were “living assistance systems” (6.4 percent) and “electronic maternity record books” (2.9 percent) (Figure 4-2-3-1).

### b. Government ICT use and application initiatives in medical care and healthcare

In the area of medical care, ICT is seen as beneficial in sustaining the communications and coordination required among various entities regarding medical care, nursing, and living assistance. ICT has become especially important in the construction of platforms that coordinate medical care information.

In healthcare, the government is looking to modernize existing mechanisms by making use of cloud services and other advances as well as eyeing future overseas deployment of advanced healthcare models. And even as smartphones and tablets are becoming key devices in healthcare, the government is anticipating the use of sensors and wearable devices to save time and expense in the collection and analysis of routine patient data.

Figure 4-2-3-1 Survey results on medical care and healthcare

(Source) "Study Report on the State of Regional ICT Use and Application," MIC (2014)