Tokyo, Nov. 5 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s new regulatory reform minister Hiroshi Nakatsuka has emphasized the need to swiftly spread self-driving technology and ride-hailing services. “I hope to accelerate the deployment of self-driving technology by removing various restrictions and collecting data,” he said in an interview Monday. Regarding ride-hailing services, in which ordinary drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers for a fee, Nakatsuka, who took office in a cabinet reshuffle in September, cited resistance that tends to emerge when a system is changed. Securing sufficient transportation services is “the biggest challenge,” Nakatsuka said, adding that the government plans to establish a related panel to promote discussions on the issue. Nakatsuka is the first cabinet minister from the Japan Innovation Party, the coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. A year after the LDP and the JIP struck a coalition agreement, the partnership has entered “a new stage,” with the two parties’ cooperation expanding to the cabinet level, Nakatsuka said. “I would like to implement policies while sharing responsibility with the LDP,” he added. Noting that the JIP is a political party established for reform, Nakatsuka said, “Free from vested interests, the party is expected to break new ground and has been given the mission of driving reforms forward.” Nakatsuka, who also serves as minister for policies related to children, expressed his commitment to improving the environment for confidential childbirth, or women giving birth by disclosing their identities only to medical institutions. He pointed to hurdles such as insufficient postnatal support for new mothers and guaranteeing children’s right to know their origins. The ruling parties are currently discussing issues associated with confidential childbirth while studying relevant systems in other countries, he said. “We will continue efforts to enhance support for expectant and nursing mothers in difficulties and consider preparing a necessary environment, including the advisability of establishing a legal framework (for confidential childbirth),” Nakatsuka said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
