Japan has finally caught up with the times by scrapping every regulation requiring the use of floppy disks for administrative purposes. This move comes 13 years after the country’s producers manufactured their last units. The floppy disk, once a ubiquitous part of computing, has been replaced by more modern forms of memory like flash drives and internet cloud storage. Japan’s fondness for outdated technology like fax machines and cash has now been challenged. The country began moving away from floppy disks just two years ago when Taro Kono, the digital minister, declared a “war on floppy disks.”
Despite resistance in some sectors, Japan has successfully eliminated over 1,000 laws mandating the use of floppy disks. The transition to more modern systems has been a challenge for some businesses, but overall it has led to speedier and more accurate data processing.
While some industries still rely on floppy disks, like the traditional textile industry in Kyoto and Higo Bank, Japan is slowly but surely moving away from this outdated technology. The government’s next target is fax machines, with a recommendation to switch to email for faster communication.
In Tsuwano, the town accounting department upgraded from floppy disks last year, but still relies on fax machines for quick communication. Despite missing the security of the old system, officials recognize the importance of adapting to modern technology for data security. Japan’s move away from floppy disks marks an important step towards modernization and efficiency in administrative processes.
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