1. Objectives
As information and communication technology has become more widespread and
advanced, and as its use and application has evolved, information communication now
provides for a basis for all social, economic and cultural activities. Cyberspace, which
arose from advancements in information and communication technology, has become an
essential platform to support national growth. On the other hand, with our heightened
reliance on information and communication technology, increasingly complex and
sophisticated cyber-attack techniques and expansion of cyber attack targets, the degree
of cyber threats have become more and more serious. For example, incidents that would
paralyze administrative and social functions in the real world represent a real threat.
Cyberspace has continued to expand beyond national borders, and its use and
application by various entities have grown rapidly. Consequently, associated risks are
becoming more severe, widespread and globalized. Now, cyber threats emerge as urgent
global challenge facing the international community as a whole.
In order for countries in the world to coexist in cyberspace and share its benefit to a
maximum extent, it is essential to acknowledge different values, build mutual trust and
work hand-in-hand to counteract the challenges. To this end, Japan is strongly committed
to actively strengthen cooperation and mutual assistance internationally so as to ensure
safe and reliable cyberspace.
Japan boasts the world’s highest level of telecommunications infrastructure. The
increased use and application of information and communication technology means
Japan has already faced a variety of cyber threats. In this context, the Japanese
government successively prepared and revised strategies, annual plans, sector-specific
policies and other measures in pursuit of ensuring cybersecurity, and, based on these
strategies and measures, forged cooperation among industry, academia and government
stakeholders in addressing these challenges. Japan is dedicated to utilize these extensive
experience and knowledge in promoting international cooperation.
This Strategy is based on the Japan Revitalization Strategy and the Cybersecurity
Strategy which were developed in June 2013, and summarizes Japan’s basic policy and
its priority areas for international cooperation and mutual assistance in the field of
cybersecurity, so that it can be presented as a package to the stakeholders both in Japan
and overseas. Japan will promote initiatives for international cooperation and mutual
assistance in cybersecurity based on this Strategy under the common understanding
shared among all domestic stakeholders including those from industries, academia and
the government. Japan will actively contribute to shaping of safe and reliable cyberspace
in which free flow of information is ensured by building relationships of cooperation with
countries around the world.
1