GIW NZ 2025: Designing Japan’s Digital Policies from Next Generation Japanese Citizens with Chikako Masuda

In her international keynote, Chiko from Japan’s Digital Agency shared how genuine innovation stems not from technology alone, but from human connection and sustained dialogue.

Drawing from her journey — from data analyst to digital leader — Chiko reflected on years of studying global digital policies in countries such as Estonia and Singapore. Her key insight: while data helps us understand how change happens, it’s through dialogue that transformation truly begins.

She highlighted Japan’s commitment to building digital bridges across governments, fostering open conversations that go beyond reports and frameworks. These exchanges, she explained, enable nations to co-create solutions tailored to their unique policy and cultural contexts, demonstrating that innovation thrives in environments where collaboration and trust are strong.

Key Highlights:

• People at the Core: Innovation is driven by relationships, not just technology.

• Global Collaboration: Japan’s Digital Agency invests in continuous dialogue with other nations to shape practical, human-centred digital reforms.

• Shared Learning: True progress comes from sharing both challenges and successes.

“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” Chiko shared. “It grows from people who trust each other enough to share not just successes, but struggles.”

Her message underscored a central theme of Government Innovation Week New Zealand 2025 — that the future of digital government will be built through openness, empathy, and shared learning.

Looking ahead? Discover what’s next at Government Innovation Week New Zealand 2026 — view the agenda for 12 May 2026 now.