Data quality guidance from Japan: Strengthening non-EU data governance practices
A use case highlighting Japan’s approach to data quality management and open data development
Japan is advancing its data governance framework through a series of practical guides aimed at improving data quality and organisational maturity. A key tool enabling this is the data quality management guidebook developed by the Japanese government’s digital and data initiatives. This guide provides structured approaches for managing, assessing, and improving data quality across organisations. It complements related frameworks such as the Chief Data Officer handbook and Chief AI Officer guidance, positioning Japan as an active player in the global data ecosystem. For European stakeholders, this non-EU use case illustrates how structured data governance can support data sharing and reuse.
The guidebook outlines key principles for ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and usability across systems. It introduces practical methods such as standardised metrics, lifecycle management of data assets, and clear governance roles. Additional materials, such as the Data Spaces academy, support skills development to drive data strategy and accountability. Together, these resources demonstrate a comprehensive approach that combines policy, organisational structure, and technical guidance.
From an open data perspective, strong data quality is a key enabler of reuse and interoperability. High-quality datasets increase trust and usability, aligning with principles promoted through the European open data ecosystem, including the European Data Portal. Japan’s focus on structured quality management supports more reliable data sharing, including potential cross-border collaboration with EU initiatives such as data spaces and sector-specific platforms.
Looking ahead, further efforts in Japan are expected to focus on expanding data availability and addressing challenges related to interoperability and governance across stakeholders. Stakeholders are encouraged to explore the Japanese guidance and compare practices with European frameworks to identify opportunities for alignment.
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