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News Summary
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Japan’s Digital Agency has announced significant updates to its online system for national professional certifications, specifically highlighting improvements for Social Insurance Labor Consultants. Starting from August 6, 2024, the government has been gradually digitalizing 84 different professional licenses, allowing people to apply for, update, and manage their certifications entirely online through the MyNumber Portal system. The latest update on July 15, 2025, expanded the available online services for Social Insurance Labor Consultants, who can now complete registration changes, cancellations, reissues, and various certificate applications digitally. This initiative eliminates the need for paper documents, reduces processing time, and allows professionals to maintain their licenses more easily when they move or change their names. The system uses Japan’s MyNumber identification system to verify identities and automatically update information across government databases. Other professions already using the system include social workers, psychologists, and tax accountants, with plans to add doctors, nurses, lawyers, and many other professionals by 2026.
Source: digital-gov
Our Commentary
Background and Context
Japan has traditionally relied on paper-based systems for professional licensing, requiring people to visit government offices, fill out forms by hand, and submit physical documents. This old system created many problems: people had to take time off work to visit offices during business hours, wait in long lines, and keep track of paper certificates that could be lost or damaged. The MyNumber system, introduced in 2015, gives every resident in Japan a unique 12-digit identification number, similar to Social Security numbers in the United States. This digital ID system laid the groundwork for modernizing many government services, including professional licensing.
Expert Analysis
Digital government experts see this move as crucial for Japan’s competitiveness in the global economy. The digitalization of professional licenses addresses several challenges Japan faces, including an aging population and labor shortages. By making it easier to obtain and maintain professional certifications, the government hopes to encourage more people to enter skilled professions. The system also helps combat fraud by creating tamper-proof digital certificates that employers can verify instantly. Technology analysts note that Japan has been slower than countries like Estonia or Singapore in digitizing government services, but this comprehensive approach to professional licensing shows significant progress.
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
The scope of this digital transformation is impressive: 84 different professional licenses covering millions of workers will eventually be digitized. Currently, about 15% of Japan’s workforce holds at least one professional license that will be affected by this system. Processing times for license applications have already decreased by an average of 60% for professions using the online system. The Digital Agency reports that over 100,000 professionals have successfully used the online system in its first year. Cost savings are significant too – the government estimates saving approximately 2 billion yen annually by reducing paper processing and manual data entry.
Related News
This licensing system update is part of Japan’s broader digital transformation efforts under Prime Minister Kishida’s “Digital Garden City Nation” initiative. Related developments include the recent launch of digital health insurance cards, online tax filing improvements, and plans for a unified government app that will consolidate various services. The government also announced partnerships with major tech companies to provide digital literacy training for older citizens who might struggle with online systems. Meanwhile, concerns about cybersecurity have led to increased investment in protecting these digital systems from hackers.
Summary
Japan’s digital licensing system represents a major step forward in modernizing government services and making life easier for professionals. By allowing people to manage their professional certifications from their smartphones, Japan is catching up with other digitally advanced nations while addressing its unique demographic challenges. The success of this system could serve as a model for other countries looking to digitize their professional licensing processes.
Public Reaction
Young professionals have enthusiastically embraced the new system, with many sharing positive experiences on social media about completing license applications in minutes rather than hours. However, some older professionals express concerns about the digital divide, worrying they might struggle with the technology. Professional associations have generally supported the initiative but emphasized the need for adequate support and training. Privacy advocates have raised questions about data security but acknowledge that the system includes strong encryption and authentication measures. Small business owners particularly appreciate the ability to quickly verify employee credentials online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a professional license or certification?
A: It’s an official document that proves someone has the education, training, and skills needed to work in certain jobs. For example, doctors need medical licenses, and teachers need teaching certificates.
Q: Why do some jobs require licenses?
A: Licenses protect the public by ensuring professionals meet minimum standards of knowledge and skill. You wouldn’t want an untrained person performing surgery or designing bridges!
Q: What’s the MyNumber system?
A: It’s Japan’s national ID system where each person gets a unique 12-digit number. It’s like a digital identity card that helps the government provide services more efficiently while protecting against identity theft.
Q: Can people still use paper applications if they prefer?
A: Yes, the government will continue accepting paper applications for those who aren’t comfortable with digital systems or don’t have internet access.
