Starting today, Japan turns a new leaf in its health insurance system by fully adopting the My Number insurance cards. The My Number system, initially introduced in 2015, links information in various fields for every inhabitant of Japan using a 12-digit number. This new practice replaces the traditional health insurance cards, marking a significant technological development in the management of social security. Government authorities hope the advancement will improve services and reduce administrative challenges previously associated with physical cards.

The use of My Number cards has been a notable subject in Japan. The general public recognizes this system as an attempt to improve convenience and service while reducing public costs. However, concerns over privacy and data security linger due to the centralization of personal information under the system. The gradual expansion of the My Number system into areas like health insurance indicates a notable shift in Japanese society, reflecting its willingness to embrace technological interventions.

In comparison, the United States utilizes a Social Security Number system, which also uniquely identifies citizens, though it doesn't link areas like health insurance directly. Systems in the EU vary considerably, with national or regional ID systems often in place, but a uniform, digitized system akin to Japan's My Number insurance card is not commonly found.