rently being studied will utilize the Resident Registration Network System, so the system will play an even more important role as information infrastructure.

### b. Public Certification Service for Individuals provided by local governments

Applications and procedures that can be done with the Public Certification System for Individuals include filing tax returns and applying for property deeds. As of the end of April 2012, the Public Certification System for Individuals was being used for procedures with 11 government ministries and agencies, 47 prefectural governments, and several municipalities. It is necessary to promote the early and voluntary adoption of the Public Certification System for Individuals and to develop and entrench it as the authentication platform for many other online procedures.

## Section 6

### Promotion of Research and Development (R&D) 1. Promotion of Research and Development Strategy

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is working to promote research and development, based on the “4th Science and Technology Basic Plan” (August 2011 Cabinet decision), which is Japan’s basic policy for science and technology. And during the 3rd Target Period over the five years starting FY2011, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is placing priority on four fields: “Network Infrastructure Technology,” “Universal Communication Infrastructure Technology,” “Future ICT Infrastructure Technology” and “Electromagnetic Wave Sensing Infrastructure Technology.” The aim is efficient and effective research and development.

### 2. Research and Development which Leads the Next Generation

NICT is executing “Research and Development of Photonic Network Technology,” “Certain Construction and Operation of Japan Gigabit Network eXtreme (JGN-X),” “Research and Development of Remote Sensing Technology” and “Multilingual Communication Technology, Contents and Services Infrastructure Technology, Super Realistic Communication Technology.” Also, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is executing “Strategic Information and Communications R&D Promotion Programme” and “Research and Development of Life Support Type Robot Technology.” Moreover, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and NICT are jointly executing “Innovation Creation Type Research and Technology Utilizing Mechanisms of the Brain” and “Research and Development of ICT Infrastructure Technology (Ultra High Frequency ICT Technology, Quantum ICT Technology, Nano ICT Technology).”

### 3. ICT International Cooperation Promotion Research and Development Program

## (1) Strategic international joint research in cooperation with foreign governments

The “Strategic International Collaborative R&D Promotion Project” began in FY2012. This promotes international joint research in the ICT field, supporting research and development funding for joint proposals by universities in Japan and Europe, research institutes of private companies etc., in cooperation with the European Commission.

## (2) Promotion of international research using Japan Gigabit Network eXtreme (JGN-X)

The Japan Gigabit Network eXtreme (JGN-X) is being built and operated by NICT since April 2011. This is a large scale testbed network which aims at establishing system technology foundations of a new generation network. Also, to promote cooperation with overseas research institutes, it is connected with overseas research institutes, and it is also used in promoting strategic international research and cooperation.

## (3) Promoting international interaction of researchers

NICT is executing the “International Interaction Program” which promotes international interaction of researchers in advanced communications and broadcasting fields, in order to contribute to sharing of the latest technology and research information, enhancing technology levels, human resources development, and promotion of research and development and international cooperation.