GSMA Report Urges Japan to Take Bold Action to Convert Technical Excellence into Global Digital Leadership

A GSMA report released at Digital Nation Summit Tokyo addressed how Japan’s digital transformation efforts relate to productivity and broader digital services performance, while describing an industry agreement tied to 6G edge resource allocation. The report framed execution gaps as the main barrier to turning existing connectivity capabilities into global standards influence.

The study said Japan continues to face structural challenges that limit productivity growth and economy-wide digital impact, and it pointed to a widening digital services deficit and difficulties scaling innovation. It also described 2026 as an “inflection point,” noting that earlier targeted interventions had addressed “digital cliff” risks.

The report tied near-term priorities to completing the 5G journey, addressing digital inclusion, and strengthening digital trust. It cited the deployment of 5G standalone (SA), described internet usage dropping significantly among people aged 70+, and reported that fraud and scam activity reached JPY324.1 billion losses in 2025, supported by stronger safeguards and cooperation.

The Tokyo Accord was signed at the Summit by Japan’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) KDDI, NTT DOCOMO, Rakuten Mobile and SoftBank, along with three APAC 6G Alliances, Globe and LG U+. The Accord covered shaping 6G Edge Resource Allocator (ERA) through “open, interoperable and trusted digital ecosystems” and aimed to coordinate between industry and policymakers, with collaboration and pathways also outlined for Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and connectivity. “Japan has many of the foundations required for digital leadership. The challenge now is execution.” said Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA.