168: Why is modernizing Japan so darn hard?

Japan’s new My Number identification cards were supposed to be a step forward for digitalization. Instead, numerous errors now risk exposing just how backwards we still are. Politics reporter Gabriele Ninivaggi joins us to discuss whether the whole debacle will have an impact on the ruling party.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode:
Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram
Gabriele Ninivaggi: Articles | Twitter

Read more:

• Kishida confirms plan to merge My Number and health card (Gabriele Ninivaggi and Eric Johnston, The Japan Times)
• My Number report highlights errors by insurers and local governments (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times)
• My Number woes put digital minister Taro Kono under pressure (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times)
• The My Number card has some real benefits. Is it time you got yours? (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times)

Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (right) sits next to digital minister Taro Kono while speaking at a government review meeting on the My Number national identification card. | KYODO