Japan bids farewell to floppy disks after decades of use
In a long-awaited move, Japan has finally said goodbye to floppy disks in 2024. The outdated storage devices, once a staple in offices around the world, were still being used in Japan until last month, with over 1,000 regulations requiring their use.
Digital Minister Taro Kono, who had declared war on floppy disks back in 2021, announced the victory over the obsolete technology on Wednesday. This marks a significant step in Japan’s efforts to modernize its bureaucracy and embrace digital transformation.
Despite being a tech powerhouse in the past, Japan has been slow to adapt to the global wave of digital innovation. The country’s deep resistance to change has been evident in its continued use of fax machines and other outdated technologies.
The announcement to finally scrap the regulations requiring floppy disks was met with mixed reactions on social media. While some users criticized the government for its outdated practices, others expressed nostalgia for the once ubiquitous storage devices.
Created in the 1960s, floppy disks fell out of fashion in the 1990s as more efficient storage solutions emerged. With a capacity of just 1.44MB, a three-and-a-half inch floppy disk pales in comparison to modern storage devices.
As part of its efforts to digitize its bureaucracy, Japan launched a Digital Agency in 2021, led by Minister Kono. However, the country still faces challenges in fully embracing digitalization, such as the continued use of personal stamps called hanko for official documents.
While Japan has made progress in phasing out outdated technologies, there is still work to be done to fully embrace the digital age. The closure of the country’s last pager provider in 2019 and the slow adoption of modern communication methods highlight the challenges ahead.
