Minister for Digital Transformation Matsumoto observed an initiative utilizing My Number Card in Asahimachi, Toyama

On January 14, Minister for Digital Transformation Matsumoto visited Asahi Town (hereinafter “Asahimachi”) in Toyama Prefecture to observe initiatives utilizing the My Number Card. In Asahimachi, the use of My Number Card is promoted through the public service pass “LoCoPi Asahimachi.” To help address local transportation issues, it also operates “Noccal Asahimachi”, a community-based cooperative service that uses residents’ private cars traveling within the town as a form of public transportation.

1. Purpose of the Visit

The purpose of the visit was to observe the initiatives of Asahimachi, which collaborates with the local community to develop mutual assistance and co-creation services using My Number Card. The visit also aimed to exchange views with local governments, private sectors, and residents, helping expand My Number Card use cases and encourage broader adoption of these initiatives.

2. Registration for the Public Service Pass “LoCoPi Asahimachi”

In order to use “LoCoPi Asahimachi,” you need to register your My Number Card at the Asahimachi Town Office or other designated registration sites. Minister Matsumoto completed the registration process for “LoCoPi Asahimachi” using his own My Number Card at the Town Office.

3. Use of the Local Currency “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin”

As part of the initiative to promote local economic circulation, users can load cash onto a My Number Card and use it as “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin” for payments at commercial facilities and restaurants within the town. As of December 5, 2025, the service is available at 69 stores, and its use was expanded to hospitals on June 3, 2025.
Minister Matsumoto observed people using “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin” for payments at Asahi General Hospital. He then visited the Asahimachi Environment & Community Center “Rakuchi-no”, loaded cash onto his My Number Card, and used “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin” to purchase local specialty products.

4. Observing the Child Monitoring Service in Use

“LoCoPi Asahimachi” provides a service that notifies registered family email addresses when a My Number Card or dedicated child card is tapped on readers in elementary and junior high schools, on school buses, or at other town facilities. Minister Matsumoto observed elementary school students tapping their cards on the readers and received an explanation from a parent regarding the monitoring notifications.

5. Noccal Asahimachi

“Noccal Asahimachi” is a shared car service in which local residents use their own cars to pick up and drop off neighbors who want to travel in the same direction. The service operates between designated stops on a membership and advance reservation basis. After his ride, Minister Matsumoto paid the fare using a town bus ticket (LoCoPi).

6. Exchange of Opinions

Minister Matsumoto exchanged views with residents using “LoCoPi Asahimachi” and the private sectors adopting “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin.” He learned these services are now integrated into daily life of people and that offering graduation grants to junior high school students through “LoCoPi Asahimachi Coin” has supported a new local economic cycle.

7. Remarks from the Visit

Minister Matsumoto stated, “Seeing the situation on the ground, I understood how they build on achievable steps to enhance residents’ satisfaction at Asahimachi.” He added, “I witnessed an excellent example of Digital Transformation (DX) implementation, made possible by the local government with flexibility. Digital Agency must now consider how to replicate this model nationwide.”