GSMA Report Urges Japan to Boldly Transform Technical Strengths into Global Digital Leadership
A new study highlights several urgent priorities for digital transformation in Japan, with the industry equally ambitious in developing 6G networks through the Tokyo Accord.
Tokyo, (ANTARA/PRNewswire) - Japan must take bold and coordinated actions to transform its world-class technological strengths into global digital leadership, according to the latest GSMA report presented at the Digital Nation Summit Tokyo.
Digital Nations 2026: According to the report “Accelerating Japan’s Digital Leap,” structural issues continue to limit productivity growth and digital impact across the economy, even as Japan leads in connectivity and next-generation applied innovation. It is critically important to address all these constraints if Japan wishes to shift from a cautious technology user to a confident global standard-setter.
Reflecting this ambition, Japan’s mobile network operators - KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, Rakuten Mobile, and SoftBank - along with the APAC 6G Alliances, Globe, and LG U+ signed the Tokyo Accord at the Digital Nation Summit Tokyo. The Tokyo Accord signifies a shared commitment to shaping the 6G era through an open, interoperable, and trusted digital ecosystem, thereby fostering coordination between industry and policymakers.
The report states that 2026 marks the beginning of change. While intervention targets have helped mitigate the risk of the ‘digital divide’, deeper structural issues persist, including stagnant productivity, a widening digital services deficit, and challenges in boosting innovation.
With growing global momentum around 5G and 6G, the report highlights Japan’s opportunities to lead by aligning spectrum strategies, R&D investments, and engagement in international standards for broader digital transformation.
Priority areas requiring immediate action:
Completing the 5G process: Accelerating the national rollout of 5G standalone (SA) to unlock advanced capabilities and support future 6G development.
Closing less visible digital gaps: Addressing digital inclusion issues among the elderly population, where internet usage significantly declines among users aged 70 and above.
Strengthening digital trust: Tackling the rise in fraud and scams, which have resulted in losses of JPY 324.1 billion (US$2.1 billion) in 2025, through stronger protections and collaboration.
Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific, said: “Japan has many of the foundations needed to become a digital leader. Now the issue is execution.”
At the Digital Nation Summit Tokyo, the GSMA Leadership Team comprising Vivek Badrinath, John Giusti, and Lara Dewar emphasised the need for coordinated action across industry and government.
The report outlines three strategic pathways for the next phase of digital development in Japan: building on advanced connectivity strengths and cutting-edge technology; accelerating deployment through global best practices; and deepening international collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity.