Verification experiments for large-scale smart-card usage, which would serve as an interface between citizens and an e-government, are being promoted. The possibility of such an e-government is growing nearer and nearer.

In order to strengthen and promote a IT revolution, it is necessary to develop and operate smart card information systems, which would be particularly common to the public sector, and to conduct extensive verification experiments of its effectiveness in 21 areas nation wide. By attempting to achieve such an endeavor, it is necessary to set a goal with the outcome being the systems` general use while at the same time, focusing on technical aspects such as interoperability, operation, and management of the system, and its social aspects, such as sharing expenses bases on its multiple use. It is hoped that its formal introduction will be conducted smoothly in an administrative system in the future.

The Smart Card is called a key device enabling its participants in an IT society to manage and use their personal information safely and reliably. We should direct out attention to this situation in our project, and aim to prove that citizens are able to participate in an IT society easily through using smart cards while realizing extensive benefits, so that the formal introduction of the systems may be conducted smoothly as a focal point of the IT revolution of the future.

The intention since 2001 has been to implement such a research project based on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry implementation.

IT City research project is implemented in those cities and areas: Sapporo, Yamagata, Aizu-wakamatsu, 5 cities in Tama area, Yokosuka, Miura, Hayama town, Fujisawa, Yamato, Joetsu, Komagane, Iijima, Tajimi, Kasahara, Toyoda, Tsu, Ikeda, Habikino, Hirakata, Kouchi, Tajimi, 3 cities or towns in the Northern Hanshin Wide Area, Okayama, Shimonoseki, Kita Kyushu, Hukuoka Prefecture Long-term Care Insurance Wide area Consortium Tagawa chapter, Kurume, 12 cities or villages in the Northern Okinawa.