Japan Outlines Advanced Technology “Super City” Plan

November 26, 2018

Tokyo--The Japanese government on Monday released an outline of its "super city" initiative seeking to ease regulations in designated areas to promote the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data.

The outline, complied at a meeting of a panel of experts headed by Heizo Takenaka, professor at Toyo University, called for fully introducing autonomous driving and cashless payments if approved by residents.

The initiative covers 10 items, including traffic control, logistics utilizing drones, telemedicine and telecare, and tele-education in addition to autonomous driving and cashless payments.

The outline sought to introduce at least five of the 10 items in several areas to be chosen across the country.

The government is considering two methods for the initiative--creating new cities by bringing together residents at places such as former factory sites and redeveloping existing cities.

The outline called for setting up councils of representatives from the government, local municipalities and private companies for talks with residents.

The experts' panel is set to draw up final plans in January 2019. The government will launch the process of selecting areas for the initiative as early as summer next year. Jiji Press