Japan’s digital identity system reached a pivotal milestone as  Matsumoto Hisashi, Minister for Digital Transformation, confirmed that more than 100 million My Number Cards have been issued, a figure reported in his official New Year’s Reflection and reaffirmed by independent coverage. This widespread adoption, now encompassing roughly 80 percent of the population, has positioned the card as Japan’s central digital identity credential, supporting a broad shift toward integrated public and private services.

Since its launch in 2016, the My Number Card has expanded beyond basic identification to underpin Japan’s administrative modernization. It functions as a legal Health Insurance Certificate and enables emergency responders to access patient information through the My Number Emergency Service. The card also supports bank account onboarding and cashless payments. At the end of November 2025, approximately 63 million public money receiving accounts have been registered to streamline benefit delivery. This consolidation of services has reduced bureaucratic burdens, particularly in procedures such as relocation and residency updates.

Looking ahead to 2026, the government plans further expansion of the card’s capabilities, including nationwide deployment of electronic medical records, greater secondary use of medical data, and digitalization of maternal and child health services. Minister Matsumoto emphasized a “human‑friendly” approach to digitalization “where no one is left behind”, underscoring cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy as essential foundations for an inclusive transition.

Read New Year’s Reflection by MATSUMOTO Hisashi, Minister for Digital Transformation here.

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