Data quality guidance from Japan: Strengthening non-EU data governance
practices
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
[https://aisi.go.jp/output/output_framework/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
[https://www.ipa.go.jp/digital/data/f55m8k0000005msd-att/dsa002-the-chief-data-officer-handbook-volu%E2%80%A6]
and Chief AI Officer guidance
[https://aisi.go.jp/output/output_framework/260317/], 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
[https://data.europa.eu/en]. 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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Publication Date/Time
2026-07-15T08:00:00+00:00
A use case highlighting Japan’s approach to data quality management
and open data development