In order to promote local area informatization in line with the Osaka City Regional Informatization Guidelines (December 2001), We conduct regular surveys on the current state and future prospects in the Internet usage, ubiquitous service usage, and so on for the Internet users(aged 15 or above citizens). According to the survey in FY2004, about 1.4 million citizens (62% of all citizens) use the Internet (including mobile phones, PHS, etc.).
In line with the Basic Law on Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society (the Basic IT Law, which came into effect in January 2001), the e-Japan Strategies I and II (January 2001, July 2003), and the u-Japan Policy (December 2004), the City of Osaka has been promoting electronic local government for various objectives, such as making city life more convenient for citizens and simplifying and streamlining city administration. We studied general electronic application systems and other infrastructure that will enable citizens to submit all kinds of applications and notices online, and in FY2004 started official operation of an electronic meeting room where citizens' opinions can be heard and the mutual exchange of information can be promoted. We also offer various training programs for city employees on subjects such as computer applications operation and security.
Citizens and visitors need wide-ranging information geared to local communities
for their daily lives. We therefore set up the Osaka Portal Site Experiment Council
and over 2 years from FY2002 to FY2003 we opened and operated the Osaka Portal
Site (nicknamed the "Naniwa Iki-iki Johokan" on a trial basis.
Inheriting the results of that project, we have been managing and operating the
site since 2004, collecting and distributing community information. This includes
links to about 3,000 other Web sites, weather information, and upgraded information
on the City of Osaka and other public agencies as well as all kinds of groups
and companies.
In addition, we linked up with the Osaka Community Association, a nonprofit foundation
established in 2004, and since then we have been engaged in providing that association
with local community site management know-how.
(We closed "Naniwa Iki-iki Johokan" in September , 2009.)
 Naniwa Iki-iki Johokan |
 Osaka Community Association |
Utilizing the know-how we have accumulated thus far, we support various groups
in distributing information over the Internet.
When creating a Web site, moreover, we strive to understand the client's needs
regarding the contents to be posted on the site and offer consulting services
that even include setting out a site design policy so that the Internet is used
as an effective promotional tool.
webmaster@osakacity.or.jp
