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Policy Proposal Project by University Students

Shaping the Future of Digital Policy from Young Voices

Since fiscal 2023, Digital Agency has been working with students on a research and policy proposals project to think about the future of the digital society.

In order to improve the structure of society, it is essential to listen to the future envisioned by everyone living in the coming era. The purpose of this project is to connect the ideas and perspectives unique to students to the field of policy and think together.

(Students participating in the 2023 and 2024 academic years)
Four students from Harvard University and Cambridge University talking to each other while sitting on a table

Students participating in the project

The project involves university students studying in diverse fields such as public policy, economics, information and sociology.

"I can delve into social issues that I don't usually talk about in class, but I've actually been concerned about," and "I can give shape to my ideas together with the government while discussing them with my fellow students." I will hold dialogues with Digital Agency officials and experts in various fields and connect them to policy proposals while learning.

Tomoki MATSUNO

He graduated from Harvard University in 2025 with a B. S. in Environmental Sciences and Public Policy. He is interested in Japanese energy security policies, especially hydrogen and LNG. In 2022, he established the Harvard-Japan Policy Network (HUJNN). In addition to organizing lectures on Japanese policy issues, he conducts research activities in cooperation with administrative agencies and local governments, including Digital Agency. Born in Ibaraki Prefecture.
A front-facing photo of Tomoki Matsuno showing his upper body.

Anna UMEDA

A third year student at Harvard University, majoring in sociology and East Asian studies. Her interests are gender issues, IT policy, and colonial history. She grew up in Tokyo with a Japanese mother and Swedish father, and has spoken English, Japanese, and Swedish since childhood. Making use of her multicultural background and language skills, she hopes to be involved in international policy advocacy in the future.
A photo of Anna Umeda, showing her upper body facing forward.

Katsutaka SUZUKI

In the spring of 2025, he completed a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in computer science and bioengineering at Cambridge University's School of Engineering. In the fall, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree in biological AI. He is interested in the development of laws related to the social implementation of technology and is participating in this research. Born in Saitama Prefecture. Max Planck Institute
This is a photo of Katsutaka Suzuki. The upper half of his body is shown facing forward.

Koki SHIMAMUNE

A third year student at the University of Cambridge, majoring in economics. Her interests are politics and administration. She experienced an internship at a Diet member's office.
He took over the project from Suzuki, his senior in high school, and is currently the project leader.
A front-facing photograph of the upper body of Koki Shimamune.

Policy themes to be addressed

Student researchers select research themes related to future lifestyles and policies based on "issues that can be noticed only because we are users" from the fields that are the pillars of "Priority Plan", which is decided by the Cabinet every year.

Survey and research in fiscal 2024

  • The Digital Divide at Harvard University (PDF / 889 kb)
    • What can Digital Agency do with young people to help them become digitally literate at a world-class level?
      In this research, in order to correct the digital divide among young people in the digital age, we analyzed the human resource development policies of governments in various countries and examined mechanisms for independent skill acquisition that Digital Agency can implement together with Japanese young people.
  • University Entrance Examination x digitalisation (Cambridge University) (PDF / 884 kb)
    • What happens if My Number Card is used for the entrance examination procedure? What is the new university entrance examination procedure that achieves both convenience and fairness?
      In this research, in order to eliminate disparities in the Japanese university application systems, which are more complicated and complicated with many analog procedures compared to other countries, we conducted a survey of cases in each country and analyzed the systems necessary for the Japanese system. Based on the results, we prototyped a unified nationwide online application platform using My Number Card, etc.

Survey and research in fiscal 2023

  • How does data change policy? How to effectively implement an EBPM (PDF / 962 kb)
    • How will Evidence Based Policy Making (EBPM) change policy making?
      Through a comparative study of EBPM cases in different countries, this research provided concrete analysis and recommendations on the framework that should be in place to promote EBPM in Digital Agency.
  • Algorithmic Digital Divide at the University of Cambridge (PDF / 670 kb)
    • Thinking about the Current State of the Digital Divide and Measures to Achieve "digital society where no one left behind"
      This research focuses on algorithms, which are one of the new causes of the digital divide, and compiles policy recommendations for Digital Agency based on an international comparison and analysis of transparent standards for the use of algorithms in government decision making.

Project activity report

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, four student researchers visited Digital Agency and held a discussion with Mr. Kishi, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Transformation, reflecting on the two years of the project. The student researchers reported on their findings to date and presented positive proposals for their future activities. In response, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kishi emphasized the importance of continuing such collaborative efforts between the younger generation and the Digital Agency and to utilize research results to policymaking.

Mr. Kishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Transformation in the center, and a group photo of four students from Harvard University and Cambridge University on both sides

Future Prospects

We plan to expand the scope of this project in the future. For example, we would like to consider important themes for Japanese society, such as the use of AI, the handling of personal data, and the design of digital public services, from the perspective of young people.
Please look forward to the challenges that will shape the society of the future, not "It's too early because I'm a student," but "There must be something that only a student can see."

Inquiry

Digital Agency Research and Planning Team
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