Japan Developing GPS-Based App to Locate Nationals Overseas

Tokyo, Sept. 2 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Foreign Ministry is developing a smartphone app that uses GPS data to identify the locations of Japanese nationals either living or traveling overseas, it was learned Wednesday. The app, which will access users’ location information with their consent, is expected to help verify the safety of Japanese citizens swiftly in the event of an armed conflict or a massive disaster overseas. The ministry aims to start operating the app in fiscal 2027, informed sources said. Until now, Japanese embassy staff have relied on phone calls to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals in the wake of conflicts and disasters overseas. However, these efforts were difficult in areas with weak or no mobile signals. The new app will be designed to track users’ locations even in areas with poor reception. Through the app, the ministry is considering sending a message asking users if they are safe and receiving their responses. The app is also likely to allow users to submit documents necessary for overseas stays spanning three months or longer and to apply for stay certificates. Additionally, the app will include the functions of the “Tabi-Regi” service launched by the ministry in 2014, which provides Japanese nationals overseas with local safety information via email or the Line messaging app. The ministry is developing the app partly due to low public awareness of Tabi-Regi. A ministry survey found that the service was known by less than 20 pct of respondents and about 30 pct of those traveling outside Japan. Meanwhile, the same survey found that about 80 pct of respondents would consent to the government using their location information during an emergency. “(Tabi-Regi’s) low visibility is a serious problem,” a senior ministry official said. “We plan to raise awareness of the new app and ensure that it is user-friendly.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]