Komeito seeks faster means for gov’t care payout program

May 22 , 2020

On May 21, Komeito House of Representatives member Masataka Ota urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to expedite the special pandemic payout to the public by coupling the Japanese personal identification system with an individual’s private bank account. Ota cited the difficulty and delays incurred by people applying for the payout online. He said that the so-called “My Number” system linked to a preferred account was the fastest and safest way to ensure that the money be distributed not only during the viral crisis but also in times of natural disasters and other emergencies. Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed, saying her agency would begin the legal procedures to implement the program.