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The number of internet users in Japan amounted to around million in 2021. This figure was projected to increase to almost million internet users by 2026.

Japan’s online population

Japan is among the countries with the highest number of internet users in the world. It is home to one of the most advanced IT industries and has a very high internet penetration rate. When it comes to devices, most people use smartphones to access the internet, which indicates the prevalence of mobile internet connections. Partly as a countermeasure against the rapid aging of the population in Japan, the Japanese government introduced the concept of "Society 5.0" in 2016, which aims to increase the digitalization and connectivity of the economy as well as various aspects of social life. This industry policy will further increase the importance of the internet in the future.

Current usage

A survey on the most common reasons why people in Japan use the internet showed that using social networking services, communicating via email, and searching for information were among the leading activities. The same survey also showed that a majority of people engaged in using video sharing websites and purchasing goods and services online. While many people in Japan are avid users of the internet, surveys show that most have concerns regarding online safety. According to one survey, a clear majority of respondents feel insecure when using the internet, mainly because of privacy and security concerns. In a different survey, the vast majority Japanese respondents stated that they wanted to do more to protect their privacy.