168: Why is modernizing Japan so darn hard?

<div>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 <strong>Gabriele Ninivaggi</strong> joins us to discuss whether the whole debacle will have an impact on the ruling party. <br> Hosted by <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/shaun-mckenna/">Shaun McKenna</a> and produced by <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/david-cortez/">Dave Cortez</a>.<br> <br> <strong>On this episode:</strong> <br> Shaun McKenna: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/shaun-mckenna/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jt_sloosh">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slooshiness/">Instagram</a><br> Gabriele Ninivaggi: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-gabriele-ninivaggi/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jiennegn">Twitter</a> <br> <br> <strong>Read more:</strong> </div> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/04/japan/politics/kishida-confirms-plan-to-merge-my-number-and-health-insurance-card/">Kishida confirms plan to merge My Number and health card</a> (Gabriele Ninivaggi and Eric Johnston, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/08/japan/politics/my-number-problems-report/">My Number report highlights errors by insurers and local governments</a> (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/26/national/my-number-woes-scrutiny/">My Number woes put digital minister Taro Kono under pressure</a> (Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2023/05/28/how-tos/dont-number-card-yet-maybe-get/">The My Number card has some real benefits. Is it time you got yours?</a> (Eric Margolis, The Japan Times)</li> </ul> <div> <strong>Get in touch:</strong> Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’v