Japan has finally caught up with the times by scrapping regulations that required 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 The floppy disk, once a popular form of memory, has been replaced by newer technologies like flash drives and cloud storage.
The shift away from floppy disks began two years ago when Taro Kono, Japan’s digital minister, declared a “war on floppy disks.” He was inspired to take action after seeing a billboard in the US mocking those who still used the outdated technology.
One town in Japan, Tsuwano, only recently replaced its stack of floppy disks in April 2023. While the switch to a new database system took some time, officials say it is faster and more accurate. The change was necessary as a wide range of businesses were still required to submit documents on floppy disks due to outdated regulations.
Despite the progress, some sectors in Japan, such as the traditional textile industry in Kyoto, still rely on floppy disks from the 1980s. Higo Bank, a regional financial institution, processes nearly 300 floppy disks daily.
Mr. Kono’s work is not done, as he now aims to phase out fax machines, which are still widely used in Japan. While some prefer fax machines for their speed, others acknowledge the need for improved data security with newer technologies.
Overall, Japan’s move away from floppy disks signifies a step forward in embracing modern technology and leaving behind outdated practices. The transition may come with challenges, but it is ultimately necessary for businesses and organizations to stay competitive in today’s digital world.
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