Japan: Tsukuba tests out blockchain voting system

The Japanese city of Tsukuba has trialled a blockchain-powered voting system for residents to decide which proposals they agree and disagree with.

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Tsukuba, which is considered to be the country’s technology research hub, is the first city in Japan to implement such a system.

“I had thought it would involve more complicated procedures, but I found that it’s minimal and easy,” Tsukuba Mayor Tatsuo Igarashi said after casting his vote.

Blockchain technology prevents voting data from being tampered with or read by unauthorised eyes.

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To participate, voters had to show their My Number Card, a 12-digit ID number issued to all citizens of Japan in 2015 including foreign residents.

The trial, which took place over the weekend, gave people the opportunity to decide over 13 initiatives for social programmes such as the development of new cancer diagnostic technology, construction objects for outdoor sports and creating sound navigation in the city.

Bumps in the road

The Japan Times news outlet reported technical issues, including participants who could not remember their voting passwords and difficulties knowing whether a vote had been counted.

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“Due to fears of errors, administrative organisations and election boards are likely to find it difficult to introduce these systems,” says Tohoku University Professor Kazunori Kawamura. “It’s necessary to first enhance their reputation by using it for voting by expatriates.”