Building the Future of Global Data Flows
Japan is building a future where data powers innovation, sustainability, and smarter industries. This vision, known as Society 5.0, is supported by Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) — a global approach to secure and open data sharing, first introduced by Japan at the World Economic Forum in 2019.
Open Data Progress
Japan is steadily improving its open data landscape. In 2022, it ranked 38th globally, with high scores in coverage and openness, placing it among the top in Eastern Asia.
Global Data Collaboration
Japan is committed to cross-border data flows. In 2022, the EU and Japan agreed to include data-sharing rules in their trade agreement. While Japan’s data economy is still growing (about 1.2% of GDP), it aligns with countries that have open and trusted data frameworks.
Data Spaces in Action
Across sectors, Japan is putting its data vision into practice:
- Manufacturing: The Ouranos Ecosystem supports data exchange across supply chains. Over 50 companies, including Toyota and Nissan, are part of a battery traceability platform — now interoperable with Europe’s Catena-X.
- Healthcare: 98.3% of the population is covered under a national data-sharing system. The National Database handles nearly 2 billion claims annually, supporting a fast-growing health analytics market.
- Mobility: Japan’s 4D data exchange system collects real-time data from connected vehicles, drones, and logistics networks to improve transport efficiency.
Why It Matters
Japan is leading the way in trusted, secure data sharing. DFFT and sector-specific initiatives show how digital trust can fuel global collaboration and economic growth.
Sources
- Keidanren (2024). Towards the Construction of Industrial Data Spaces.
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry METI (2024). Japan’s Initiatives for Interoperable Data Infrastructures Officially Named “Ouranos Ecosystem”.
- Digital Agency, Government of Japan (2025). Electronic Prescription Adoption Dashboard.
- European Commission (2024). EU-Japan deal on data flows enters into force.
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry METI (2025).Whitepaper: Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspaces. Reference Architecture Model (ODS-RAM V1).
- Open Data Watch (2022). Country Profile: Japan.
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