An , also known as , is a twelve-digit ID number automatically issued to all citizens and foreign residents of Japan. It is used for taxation, social security and disaster response purposes. The numbers were first issued in late 2015.Osaki, Tomohiro Ready or not, government will soon have your My Number September 20, 2015 The Japan Times Retrieved October 6, 2015The Social Security and Tax Number system Cabinet Secretariat Retrieved October 6, 2015Japan introducing “My Number” system, some information Austrian Business Council Retrieved October 6, 2015
The Individual Number is the de-facto Japanese equivalent to a U.S Social Security Number (SSN), and is required when applying for a Japanese bank account. Like the SSN, the number is sensitive and should be kept safe. Once issued the bearer's Individual Number remains the same indefinitely, unless required to be changed by decree.
Individuals may write this number down and keep it in a safe location, or apply for the free My Number Card, which contains the number.
See also My Number Card Corporate Number (Japan) Social Security number National identification number
References
External links The Social Security and Tax Number System (Official introduction by the government)