Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
## Section 1

# Use of Ubiquitous Networks by Individuals and Companies

## 1 u-Japan

“u-Japan” is what Japan will be like in 2010 when information and communications technology (ICT) will be applied toward resolving various problems in society. It is based on four principles: ubiquitous (connects everyone and everything); universal (can be easily used by the elderly, etc.); user-oriented (based on users’ viewpoints); and unique (creative and vigorous). Among these, “ubiquitous” plays the key role. Ubiquitous networks are characterized by the realization of easy “person-to-person” plus “person-to-goods” and “goods-to-goods” communications (Figure 1-1-1). They allow easy connection to networks “anytime, anywhere, by anything and anyone” by attaching small, low-priced devices to all kinds of things in all kinds of places. As a result, ICT will penetrate every corner of daily life like grassroots.

On the other hand, new problems will arise in the process of achieving u-Japan. For example, if individuals' purchase history and activity history become easily accessible through networks, there would be a risk of leakage or misuse of such personal information. In addition, if various devices at home become connected to networks, these devices would also become subject to virus infections and unauthorized access.

In order to overcome these problems and to achieve u-Japan in an ideal way, the MIC established the Policy Roundtable for Realizing a Ubiquitous Network Society in March 2004 and compiled the “u-Japan Policy” in December of the same year.

## 2 People’s expectations for ubiquitous networks

Users were asked what special expectations they had of the various benefits of ubiquitous networks. The top answer was a “safer and more secure life” at 55.7%, followed by “greater convenience” at 42.2%, “quicker response to disasters” at 27.4%, and “safer and more pleasant to drive and/or walk” at 22.3%. The result indicates that user expectations are particularly high for matters related to safety and security (Figure 1-1-2).

### 3. Trend in corporate use of ubiquitous networks

Corporate use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, contactless smart cards, and new network-compatible devices (ubiquitous network tools) are making notable progress.

Figure 1-1-1 The u-Japan concept

Produced from MIC, Final Report of the Policy Roundtable for Realizing a Ubiquitous Network Society
(1) Introduction of ubiquitous network tools in intra-corporate/inter-corporate operations

Comparing the status of the introduction of ubiquitous network tools in intra-corporate/inter-corporate operations between FY 2003 and FY 2004, the percentage of companies that answered “already introduced” increased by 4.4 points for RFID tags and 9.2 points for contactless smart cards, while the percentage of companies that answered “introduction under consideration (including ‘introduction scheduled’)” increased by 15.3 points for RFID tags and 17.2 points for contactless smart cards. This suggests that the introduction of ubiquitous network tools has progressed and that more companies have come to consider introducing them (Figure 1-1-3).

(2) Offer of general consumer products and services using ubiquitous network tools

Comparing the status of offer of general consumer products and services using ubiquitous network tools between FY 2003 and FY 2004, the percentage of companies that answered “already offered” increased by 4.3 points for RFID tags and 4.5 points for contactless smart cards, while the percentage of companies that answered “offer under consideration (including ‘offer scheduled’)” increased by 6.4 points for RFID tags and 7.7 points for contactless smart cards. The result indicates that more companies have come to consider offering products and services using ubiquitous network tools in line with the increased offer of such products and services (Figure 1-1-4).

Figure 1-1-2 Benefits expected in ubiquitous networks (multiple responses possible)

Source: Survey on Trends Concerning a Ubiquitous Network Society (Web survey)

Figure 1-1-3 Introduction of ubiquitous network tools in intra-corporate/inter-corporate operations

RFID tags

Contactless smart cards
(3) Comparison among Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea concerning the trend in corporate use of ubiquitous networks

The percentage of companies that have “already introduced” ubiquitous network tools in intra-corporate/inter-corporate operations was high in Japan for contactless smart cards and high in the United States for the other tools. Meanwhile, the percentage including companies that are “scheduled or considering introduction” was high in Japan for contactless smart cards, high in the Republic of Korea for RFID tags, and high in the United States for the other tools.

The percentage of companies that “already offer” products and/or services using ubiquitous network tools was high in the Republic of Korea for contactless smart cards and high in the United States for the other tools. Meanwhile, the percentage including companies that are “scheduled or considering offering” was high in the Republic of Korea for all tools, followed by Japan (Figure 1-1-5).

### 4. Example use of ubiquitous networks

(1) Services provided through mobile phones with contactless smart card technology

While the functions of mobile phone terminals are becoming more and more advanced, such as the Internet access function and the camera function, various services provided through mobile phone terminals with contactless smart card technology were launched in July 2004 (Figure 1-1-6).

The users of mobile phones with contactless smart card technology (379 persons) were surveyed with regards to the services they use, the degree of satisfaction with the services, and the intent to continue using the services. The most frequently used service was “electronic money settlements” at an overwhelming 76.5%, followed by “membership cards, reward cards, etc.” at 33.2% (Figure 1-1-7).

With regard to the degree of user satisfaction for the services, 34.0% answered “very satisfied/satisfied,” which exceeded the 11.6% who answered “very dissatisfied/somewhat dissatisfied” (Figure 1-1-8).

In terms of the intent to continue using the services, “want to continue” was high at 65.7%, and as many as 87.1% of the users predicted that the services “will spread widely/will spread to a certain extent.”

(2) Utilization of RFID tags for safety of school children

In order to understand the effectiveness and problems involved in use of RFID tags for safety of elemen-

Figure 1-1-6 Examples of the services of mobile phones with contactless smart card technology

Figure 1-1-7 Services of mobile phones with contactless smart card technology used by users (multiple responses possible)

Figure 1-1-8 Degree of user satisfaction for the services of mobile phones with contactless smart card technology

Source for Figures 1-1-7 and 1-1-8 : Survey on Trends Concerning a Ubiquitous Network Society (Web survey)
tary school children, the Kinki Bureau of Telecommunications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), implemented a demonstration test for a system that records the school arrival and departure times using RFID tags and notifies parents of this information by e-mail under the cooperation of Shinjo Daini Elementary School in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture (October 25 - November 5, 2004) (Figure 1-1-9).

After the test, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the participants to check their evaluations of the demonstration test. According to the survey results, the school arrival and departure notifications sent to the parents' mobile phones had been “checked almost everyday” by 81.0% of the parents, while 82.9% “felt more reassured/felt slightly more reassured” throughout the demonstration test (Figure 1-1-10). As for the future need for safety or security programs using ICT technology, such as RFID tags and network cameras, 71.3% answered that they were “necessary/somewhat necessary.” The biggest reason was “because the social conditions have changed, and criminal incidents occur frequently,” which was mentioned by 65.8% (Figure 1-1-11).

(3) Utilization of Contactless Smart Cards for Production Management

A factory of a PC manufacturer had conducted operations by allotting one instruction sheet per PC unit, and having the respective production line staff members confirm the specifications and precautions indicated in the relevant part of the production instruction sheet. However, it was time-consuming to check the relevant part of the sheet. In addition, a barcode printed on the sheet had been read in each process of assembly, inspection, shipment, etc. for production management, and this reading process was conducted about 100,000 times a day. Thus, in order to facilitate confirmation of the content of the production instruction sheet, reduce the barcode reading process load, and reinforce traceability, contactless smart cards were introduced in September 2004.

Due to the introduction of the contactless smart cards, the factory became able to facilitate confirmation of the operation content, automatically store data such as production history and inspection results in the assembly/inspection phases, and improve efficiency of the

Figure 1-1-9 Outline of the demonstration test of the use of RFID tags for safety of school children

Figure 1-1-10 Overall impression of the program

Figure 1-1-11 Future need for safety or security programs using ICT technology

Source for Figures 1-1-9 to 1-1-11: Kinki Bureau of Telecommunications, MIC, Study Group on Utilization of RFID Tags in the Public Sector (March 2005)
shipping/delivery processes by reading multiple contactless smart cards in a batch, and improve the productivity by more than 10% as a result.

### 5. Japan’s future challenges and solutions using ubiquitous networks

The “Policy Roundtable for Realizing a Ubiquitous Network Society” conducted a questionnaire survey on 6,000 consumers concerning the important themes that Japanese society should address toward 2010. As a result, the theme that was most mentioned as being extremely important was “achieving a safe and secure living environment,” indicated by nearly 70% of the respondents, followed by energy, medical care, and the environment (Figure 1-1-12).

In addition, more specific challenges were investigated regarding these individual important themes, and examples of solutions using ubiquitous networks were identified through consumer group interviews and corporate interviews (Figure 1-1-13).

Figure 1-1-12 Important theme that Japanese society should address toward 2010 (multiple responses possible)

Figure 1-1-13 Specific future challenges and solution examples using ubiquitous networks

* A key ICT solution for each issue is exemplified after the arrow.

Source for Figures 1-1-12 and 1-1-13: Produced from MIC, Final Report of the Policy Roundtable for Realizing a Ubiquitous Network Society
## Section 2

## I CT Use by Individuals

### 1. Progress in ICT Use

## (1) Increase in the number of Internet users

The number of Internet users at the end of 2004 was estimated to be 79.48 million (an increase of 2.8% over the previous year), and the penetration rate was 62.3%, increasing by 1.7 points over the end of 2003 (60.6%) (Figure 1-2-1). Since the penetration rate exceeded 60% at the end of 2003 and significant diffusion has already been achieved, the speed of the increase is slowing down. Compared to the end of the year preceding the launch of the e-Japan strategy (2000), the number of Internet users increased by about 32 million, and the penetration rate by 25.2 points. This indicates that Internet use by individuals has steadily progressed in these four years.

## (2) Increase in the number of broadband households

The percentage of broadband households (using FTTH, DSL, cable Internet, or wireless access (FWA, etc.)) to the total households accessing the Internet via home PCs was 62.0% at the end of 2004, increasing by 14.2 points over the percentage at the end of 2003 (47.8%). On the other hand, the percentage of dial-up households was 20.4%, decreasing by 9.8 points from the end of 2003 (30.2%). Compared to the end of the year preceding the launch of the e-Japan strategy (2000), the number of broadband households rapidly expanded, increasing by 55.2 points (Figure 1-2-2).

Figure 1-2-1 Number of Internet users and penetration rate

Source: MIC, Communications Usage Trend Survey

Figure 1-2-2 Internet access method at home

* Broadband line: FTTH (from "End of 2001"), DSL, cable Internet, wireless (FWA, etc.),

and third-generation mobile phones (only for “End of 2004”)
## (3) Degree of Satisfaction with the Internet

When Internet users were asked how satisfied they were with the present Internet use, they generally indicated a high degree of satisfaction with PC Internet use. However, the degree of dissatisfaction was comparatively high for Internet use through mobile phones (in this white paper, “mobile phones” collectively refer to mobile phones, PHS, and PDA). This is presumably because users accustomed to PC Internet use find that the usability (ease of viewing the screen, ease of operation, etc.) of mobile phones does not match up to that of PCs. In addition, the number of respondents answering “don’t know” is high for mobile phones compared to PCs. The users’ opinions are likely to be still unfixed because they have not used the mobile phone Internet for as long time as the PC Internet and the services provided are undergoing rapid changes (Figure 1-2-3).

## (4) Progress of ICT in respective fields

When Internet users were asked about the progress of ICT use in main fields, more than 80% believed that ICT use has “made a lot of progress/made some progress” in the fields of information gathering, shopping, communication, amusement/contents, and financial transactions, but as many as 30 to 40% believed that ICT use has “made little progress/made no progress” in the fields of medical care, administration, and education (Figure 1-2-4).

## 2 Changes in people's lives

The users are aware of both positive and negative influences of the Internet on society. The most mentioned positive influences included “makes life more convenient through the information search function and online shopping,” “generates various new businesses and changes the industrial structure,” and “improves the capacity to convey knowledge and know-how.” On the other hand, the most mentioned negative influences included “flooded with information and makes selection of the necessary information difficult,” “encourages crimes such as libel and providing illegal/harmful information” and “reduces the ability to give in-depth thought.

Figure 1-2-3 Degree of satisfaction in the PC/mobile phone Internet

* The degree of satisfaction with the Internet access environment was investigated for only broadband users (BB) and users of fixed-charge packet transmission services (fixed charge).

Source: Survey on Networks and People’s Lives (Web Survey)

Figure 1-2-4 Progress of ICT use in main fields

Source: Survey on Networks and People’s Lives (Web Survey)
to things.” The percentage of users who have a positive impression that the Internet “has a favorable impact on society on the whole” was 75.6% (Figure 1-2-5).

## 3 Stimulation of communication

The utilization rate of PC e-mail in Japan is 94.2%, and 90% of Internet users send less than five e-mail messages per day. In the meantime, the utilization rate of mobile phone e-mail is 87.7%, and 80% of the users send less than five e-mail messages per day. While the utilization rate of PC e-mail in the United States is high at 96.1%, the utilization rate of mobile phone e-mail is extremely low at 12.4%. In the Republic of Korea, the mobile phone Internet is widely used similarly to Japan, but the utilization rate of mobile phone e-mail is 43.1%, which is far lower than the rate in Japan. In this manner, the high utilization rate of mobile phone e-mail is characteristic to Japan (Figures 1-2-6 and 1-2-7).

The communication tool other than e-mail that is most used by Internet users is “Internet BBS” at 45.1%, followed by “a personal Website” (27.1%). At the same time, the percentage of users who have “a personal blog” is 14.9%. When comparing Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, the utilization rate of such tools is generally high in the Republic of Korea where 37.3% of Internet users have a personal blog (Figure 1-2-8).

## 4 Diffusion of online shopping, etc

Among PC Internet users, those who have experience in online shopping accounted for 89.1% in Japan, 89.7% in the United States, and 86.1% in the Republic of Korea. In this manner, online shopping is widely used in all three countries. On the other hand, among mobile phone Internet users, those who have experience in online shopping account for 18.1% in Japan, 14.7% in the United States, and 31.4% in the Republic of Korea. In other words, online shopping through mobile phones is more popular in the Republic of Korea than in Japan or the United States (Figure 1-2-9).

The annual amount of purchases (throughout 2004) through PCs was 95,062 yen in Japan, 1,202 dollars (about 129,500 yen) in the United States, and 824,187 won (about 78,100 yen) in the Republic of Korea. That of purchases through mobile phones was 34,694 yen in Japan, 697 dollars (about 75,100 yen) in the United States, and 163,813 won (about 15,500 yen) in the Republic of Korea.

The degree of satisfaction with PC online shopping is high in Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, but in terms of mobile phone online shopping it is relatively low (Figure 1-2-10).

Internet users’ intent to use PC online shopping in the future is high at 92.3% in Japan, 88.1% in the United States, and 88.5% in the Republic of Korea, while the intent to use mobile phone online shopping is 21.5% in Japan, 8.9% in the United States, and 23.6% in the Republic of Korea, showing that the intent of use in the United States is lower than that in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Figure 1-2-5 Social influences of the Internet

Source: Survey on Networks and People's Lives (Web Survey)
Figure 1-2-6 Utilization rate of e-mail

Figure 1-2-7 Frequency of sending e-mail messages

Note: The percentages in brackets indicate changes over the previous year.

Figure 1-2-8 Utilization rate of communication tools (multiple responses possible)

Figure 1-2-9 Utilization rate of online shopping

Source for Figures1-2-6 to 1-2-9: Survey on Networks and People's Lives (Web Survey)
## 5 Increasing use of media contents

## (1) Overall trend of media contents market

The overall media contents market has hit the ceiling at about 11 trillion yen during the period from 2000 to 2003. Broken down by content type, the market for audio contents (music, radio programs, etc.) and the text contents market (newspaper articles, literary contents, etc.) are shrinking, while the market for visual contents (movies, TV programs, etc.) is expanding. Each of these content types could be put to secondary use in other media after being used in a specific medium. It was found that the market for distribution in the first medium in which produced content is assumed to be distributed (primary distribution market) is shrinking, and the market for secondary distribution through other media (multi-use market) is expanding.

In recent years, the market for media contents, which includes music, games and newspaper articles that are distributed to PCs and mobile phones through the Internet and mobile network (network-based distribution market), has been growing. The market expanded to about 500 billion yen in 2003, increasing by about 200 billion yen in three years (Figure 1-2-11).

## (2) Internet contents

An overwhelmingly high percentage of PC Internet users use free contents. The most frequently used paid contents are “music” (7.2%) followed by “games” (6.7%) and “moving images” (4.8%). Free contents are also frequently used among mobile phone Internet users,

Figure 1-2-10 Degree of satisfaction of online shoppers

* The figure indicates the percentage of users who answered “satisfied” by deducting the percentage of users who answered “dissatisfied” for each item.

Source: Survey on Networks and People's Lives (Web Survey)

Figure 1-2-11 Proportion of the network-distributed media contents market in the overall contents market

Digital contents are CDs, DVDs, games, digital satellite broadcasting programs,

off-line databases and network-distributed media contents.

Network-distributed media contents are contents distributed via the Internet,

mobile network, online karaoke and online databases.
but while the utilization rate of free contents is lower compared to that for PC Internet use, the utilization rate of paid contents is higher (Figure 1-2-12).

With regard to the intent for future use of paid contents, PC Internet users have a high intent for using “music” (16.5%), followed by “moving images” (13.9%) and “games” (9.0%), while mobile phone Internet users have a high intent for using “ring-tone melodies, etc.” (37.1%), followed by “games” (16.9%) and “music” (11.8%) (Figure 1-2-13). Music, moving images, and games are expected to remain as the core Internet contents in the future.

When comparing the use of core paid contents (moving images, still images, music, ring-tone melodies, games, and books/cartoons) among Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, the rate of use is overwhelmingly high in the Republic of Korea, both through PCs and mobile phones. The use through PCs is the next highest in the United States, and then in Japan, and the use through mobile phones is the next highest in Japan, and then in the United States (Figure 1-2-14). One of the reasons for such active use of paid contents in the Republic of Korea is that settlement of small amounts is simple and easy due to the diffusion of the system to have the fees charged by the mobile phone carriers.

The average annual amount of paid contents used in 2004 through PCs was 9,464 yen in Japan, 180 dollars (about 19,400 yen) in the United States, and 129,059 won (about 12,200 yen) in the Republic of Korea, while that used through mobile phones was 4,036 yen in Japan, 233 dollars (about 25,100 yen) in the United States, and 93,899 won (about 8,900 yen) in the Republic of Korea.

Figure 1-2-12 Status of use of contents (multiple responses possible)

* Only mobile phone Internet users were questioned about the status of use of “ring-tone melodies, etc.”.

Source: Survey on Networks and People’s Lives (Web Survey)

Figure 1-2-13 Intent for future use of paid Internet contents (multiple responses possible)

* Only mobile phone Internet users were questioned about the status of use of “ring-tone melodies, etc.”.

Source: Survey on Networks and People's Lives (Web Survey)