This summary version of the 2025 White Paper on Information and Communications concisely outlines the key points under the theme "The Expanding Digital as 'Social Infrastructure'".
Overall Structure and Key Points of the White Paper
Background of the Special Theme
- Evolution of digital technology from mere tools to social infrastructure
- Arrival of an era where all social activities are designed with digital as a premise
- Japan's current state of digitalization and its position in international comparisons
- Presenting the direction of digital society for the next 10 years
Main Messages of the White Paper
- Ensuring reliability of digital infrastructure is the most important issue
- Balancing AI utilization with risk management is essential
- Need for strengthening international competitiveness and cooperation
- Realizing a digital society that leaves no one behind
Latest Trends in ICT Market and Industry
Scale and Growth of Domestic ICT Market
- ICT industry market size continues to expand
- Particularly high growth in cloud services and AI-related markets
- Market expansion due to full-scale 5G-related investments
- Rapid growth of digital content market
Status of Communications Infrastructure Development
- Steady improvement in 5G area coverage
- Optical fiber installation rate maintains world-class level
- Acceleration of R&D toward Beyond 5G/6G
- Progress in practical application of new communication methods such as space communications
Priority Areas of MIC's ICT Policy
Digital Transformation Promotion Measures
- Expansion of My Number Card adoption and utilization
- Promotion of government digitalization and online services
- Strengthening support for local government DX
- Enhancement of digital talent development programs
Radio Wave and Broadcasting Policies
- System reform for effective use of radio waves
- Promotion of Local 5G adoption
- Full-scale implementation of simultaneous internet distribution of broadcasting
- Maintaining NHK and commercial broadcasting dual system while adapting to digital era
Economic Security and Cybersecurity
Ensuring Safety of Communications Infrastructure
- Supply chain risk management for 5G equipment
- Mandatory security measures for critical infrastructure operators
- Development of next-generation security technologies such as quantum cryptography
- Strengthening international security cooperation
Economic Security in Information and Communications
- Ensuring stable supply of critical materials such as semiconductors
- Reducing foreign dependence of core infrastructure
- Balancing prevention of technology outflow with international competitiveness
- Promoting technological cooperation with like-minded countries
Vision for Digital Society
Toward Realizing Society 5.0
- Advanced fusion of cyber and physical spaces
- New value creation in data-driven society
- Solving social issues through AI and robotics
- Synergistic effects of carbon neutrality and digital
Inclusive Digital Society
- Efforts to eliminate the digital divide
- Digital utilization support for elderly and disabled persons
- Correcting regional disparities and Digital Garden City
- International digital cooperation and contribution to SDGs achievement
The article emphasizes the importance of integrated promotion of technological innovation, institutional development, and human resource development to realize a society where digital truly functions as social infrastructure and all people can benefit.