The Journal of Information Science and Technology Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 53 (2003) , No.2
Special feature : E-Government and E-Information


Public access to government information : an introduction
Akira NEMOTO
(Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo (Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033))

 Abstract : Recent developments in disclosing government information are examined in comparison with the former distribution systems of government documents. Although the intensive printing and distributing mechanisms were functional to supply government documents to people like the GPO at the US federal government, public servants were not very eager to make government information open except in the public relations context in Japan. But since late 1990s they have been ready to make public access to government information with enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, the administrative accountability, and introduction of the IT into the governmental work. They are coping with not only disclosure of administrative information in response to requests but also more active information activities through the Internet homepages. The author indicates problems of preservation left untouched efficiently.

 Keywords : government information / government documents / government publications / public records / GPO / Freedom of Information Act / public relations / classified information / material preservation

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e-Government and Intelligence Laws in Japan
Takashi SAKATA
(Japan Women's University, Division of Home Economics, Dept. of Household Economics (Mejirodai 2-8-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8681))

 Abstract : Japanese society has entered the age of electronic government. The Japanese government has promoted an electronic government and an electronic local administration. It is a consistent stance held by most of the Government of Japan.
 This article analyses the infrastructure of Japanese intelligence laws. First it outlines the basics concerning Japanese intelligence laws. It then discusses the problems resulting from the ‘digital' divide and the dangers to individual privacy.
Through this analysis, the future direction of Japan's ‘e-Government' and intelligence laws may become apparent.

 Keywords : e-Government / intelligence laws / information technology / invasion
of privacy / digital divide / “haves"and“have-nots"

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Distribution of government publication through the Internet and transformation of information services
Shinichi TODA
(Faculty of Sociology, Toyo University (28-20, Hakusan 5-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8606))

 Abstract : Although the government publications are important information resources, it is difficult to know when and where they were published. For this reason they are assumed as the typical examples of grey literature. As the Internet comes into wide use in our society, the government organizations try to distribute their information through the Internet, especially by web homepages. Our methods of acquisitions and uses of government publications (information) are largely changed from the print (packaged) media era. This article analyses trends and problems of the Internet use for government information from the aspects of Japanese information policy, and discusses the transformation of library and information services.

 Keywords : government publications / government information / grey literature / Internet / library services / information services

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The e-Government Portal
Hideki AKIYAMA
(Administrative Management Bureau, Ministry of Public Management, Home Affaires, Posts and Telecommunications (Kudan-minami 1-1-10, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074))

 Abstract : Based on various determination such as the administrative information promotion plan, Japanese Government has been attempting the promotion of the electronic offer of administrative information. In the Department of Genaral Affair, from Apr. 2001, it started the operation of “total counter system of the electronic Government".
 1) The function which unitarily retrieves the information which each Department is reporting in home page, 2) the function which unitarily searches administration document file control notebook of each Department, 3) the function which unitarily retrieves information on administration procedure which each Department supervises, etc. are being provided this. It becomes that the role of “total counter system of the electronic Government" increases as a unitary counter of the online service, when the construction of the electronic Government will advance in future, and it requires convenience improvement of the system, etc..

 Keywords : e-Government / Portal site / administrative information / online service / retrieval sysytem

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Present State of e-Government in Japan and NEC's Activities
Mikiko TABUCHI
(Business Promotion Department, e-Government Solution Promotion Division, NEC Corporation (7-1, Shiba 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8001))

 Abstract : Japanese Government is working on the various measures for the achievement of e-Government by FY2003.
 This paper explains the IT strategy for e-Government of Japan, the outline of the main systems for e-Government, and NEC's activities.

 Keywords : e-Government / e-Local Government / e-Japan Strategy / Electronic Application / Electronic Procurement / Electronic Authentication / Electronic Payment

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The challenge to the electronic local government in Aizu Wakamatsu City ―Multipurpose IC card and IC library service―
Masaru UKAWA
(Aizu Wakamatsu City Office, General Affaires Department, Information Policy Division (3-46 Higashi Sakae-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 965-8601))

 Abstract : It is turned to the electronic local government construction in the municipality in order to represent for the e-japan plan of the government, and it is making the positive challenge. In Aizu Wakamatsu City, for the purpose of consciousness of the citizen to the IT public participation, improvement of the convenience of inhabitant and efficiency improvement of the administration office work, it carried out “the IT improvement city research business by popularization of IC card, etc." by the Depar tment of Economy & Industry. By the card of the one sheet, it introduces multipurpose IC card which can offer administration service and pri vate service in the one under way, and it verifies the ideal way of administration servicing in the next generation.

 Keywords : multipurpose IC card / Aoicard / certificate automatic delivery service / IC library service / IC medical care expense aid application service / IC shopping center point service / IC Aizu Hugado point service

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Public Services of the city of Seattle
Shigeru TAKAMURA
(The Japan Research Institute Limited, Center for the Strategy of Emergence (16, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082))

 Abstract : It depends on having provided wealth life support information with building a homepage (HP) for the purpose of the interactive communication with the citizen to access the public service of the city of Seattle.
 In Japan we do not have any HP of the local government that deals with not only public information but private like the city of Seattle's. It is difficult for local governments in our country to deal with the private information on their HP though the “portal site" of the area information is necessary to cope with citizen needs. But, the contents of HP were featured in this paper about the public service of the city of Seattle along the citizen needs from this HP's being necessary, and it was explained to reflect inhabitant's intention.

 Keywords : Portal site / Communication with the citizen / Wealthy contents / Citizen as a client / Life support / Public private partnership

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