Local eGovernment use Google Maps

Soka City in Saitama Prefecture renewed their Web site and improved the usability and accessibility on October 1st, 2006.

They facilitated the design and management and operation of contents by introducing Contents Management System. The CMS will cost 30 million yen in five years.

Map Guidance Service is one of the renewal example. This service based on "Google Maps" show the place of public facilities, road works, etc.

The reason why they chose Google Maps is that it is free, easy to use, quick response, easy management and maintenance compared with GIS and other map services.

Nishitokyo City in Tokyo is another example of map service powered by Google Maps.

56.2% Local Government have Mobile Website

According to the investigation of the Nikkei Personal Computer Magazine the ratio of the local government which own the website for the cellular phone reached 56.2% in 2007.

There are 1,827 local governments in Japan. Local governments consist of cities, towns and villages.

NISC warns E-government's Vulnerability

NISC (National Information Security Center) announced the e-government services of 14 ministries had left their vulnerabilities.

These vulnerabilities are caused by Java Runtime Environment. The JRE problems keep citizens away from e-government services and damage their reliability and usability.

Egovernment needs Digital Forensics

Citizen's rights can be protected by controlling misbehavior in the administration if egovernment use digital forensics in their regular audits.

House of Representatives Internet TV

House of Representatives Internet TV
http://www.shugiintv.go.jp/en/index.cfm?ex=HM

This website offers live broadcasts and video library of the National Diet sessions in the House of Representatives. The National Diet in Japan consists of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives and it is defined by the Constitution of Japan as the highest organ of state power and the sole law-making organ of the state.

The House of Representatives
http://www.shugiin.go.jp/index.nsf/html/index_e.htm
House of Councillors
http://www.sangiin.go.jp/japanese/frameset/fset_f01_01.htm

The Virtual Museum of Japanese Arts

The Virtual Museum of Japanese Arts
http://web-japan.org/museum/menu.html

This website introduces traditional Japanese Arts such as Ukiyoe, Buddhist Temple, Tea Ceremony, Sumo, Ninja etc. You can enjoy the pictures and movies with brief explanations.

Japan Video Topics
http://web-japan.org/jvt/index.html
is more focused on movies about Japanese culture.

u-Japan Policy

u-Japan Policy
http://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_02/ict/u-japan_en/index.html

This is the website introducing 'u-Japan Policy" with the examples of ICT usage in u-Japan Society. Through this site you can learn about e-Japan and ICT strategy with audio and visual guidance.

The u-Japan Policy includes;

1. Development of Ubiquitous Networks
2. Advanced Usage of ICT
3. Upgrading Enabling Environment
   

Study in and about Japan

If you like to study in Japan 'Study In Japan' would be a good guide for you.

Study In Japan Comprehensive Guide
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/index.html

This website offers three types of information such as
1) For Prospective Students who are interested in studying in Japan
2) For Foreign Students who are currently studying in Japan
3) For Former Foreign Students who were students in Japan and have since returned to their own country

I also recommend 'KIDS WEB JAPAN' to study about Japan easily and quickly.

KIDS WEB JAPAN
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/index.html