A new study highlights urgent priorities for Japan’s digital transformation, with the industry signaling a shared 6G ambition through the Tokyo Accord.
TOKYO, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Japan must take bold, coordinated steps to translate its world-class technological assets into global digital leadership, according to a new GSMA report launched at the Digital Nation Summit in Tokyo.
THE Digital Nations 2026: accelerating the digital leap in Japan The report finds that while Japan remains a leader in next-generation connectivity and applied innovation, structural challenges continue to limit productivity growth and economy-wide digital impact. Addressing these constraints will be essential if Japan is to move from being a cautious adopter of technology to a confident global standard-setter.
Reflecting this ambition, the Tokyo Accord was signed at the summit by Japanese mobile network operators – KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, Rakuten Mobile and SoftBank – alongside the three alliances APAC 6G, Globe and LG U+. The Agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to shaping the 6G era through open, interoperable and reliable digital ecosystems, fostering coordination between industry and policymakers.
The report identifies 2026 as an inflection point. Although targeted interventions have mitigated the risks of a “digital cliff,” deeper structural issues persist, including stagnant productivity, a growing digital services gap, and challenges in scaling innovation.
As global momentum builds around 5G and 6G, the report highlights Japan’s opportunity to play a leadership role in aligning its spectrum strategy, R&D investments and commitment to international standards with broader digital transformation goals.
Priority areas for immediate action:
- Complete the 5G course: Accelerate the nationwide deployment of standalone (SA) 5G to unlock advanced capabilities and support the future evolution of 6G.
- Bridging the gray digital divide: Addressing the challenges of digital inclusion among aging populations, with internet usage declining significantly among those aged 70 and over.
- Building digital trust: Combat the increase in fraud and scam activities, which reached 324.1 billion JPY ($2.1 billion) in losses in 2025, through strengthened safeguards and cooperation.
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, said: “Japan has many of the foundations for digital leadership. The challenge now is execution.”
At the summit, the GSMA leadership team – Vivek Badrinath, John Giusti and Lara Dewar all reinforced the need for coordinated action between industry and government.
The report outlines three strategic paths for the next phase of Japan’s digital development: building on the strengths of advanced connectivity and cutting-edge technologies; accelerate deployment using global best practices; and deepen international cooperation in the areas of AI, cybersecurity and connectivity.
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SOURCE GSMA
