Japan's Digital Agency has launched a new unified My Number app designed to streamline online identity verification and government procedures for all residents, including foreign nationals. The consolidated application, which became available on August 25, 2026, merges two previously separate apps into a single platform, according to NHK. The new "My Number App" represents a significant step in Japan's ongoing digital transformation efforts, aiming to reduce the complexity that has long plagued the country's administrative systems. For expats living in Japan, this development could simplify interactions with government services that previously required navigating multiple platforms or making in-person visits to municipal offices. Previously, residents needed to download and manage two different applications to access various government services linked to their My Number card. This fragmented approach often caused confusion, particularly for non-Japanese speakers who struggled to understand which app was needed for specific procedures. The Digital Agency's decision to consolidate these functions into a single application addresses these usability concerns and aligns with broader government initiatives to improve digital accessibility. The unified app is designed to simplify online identity verification using the My Number card, Japan's national identification system. Foreign residents who hold a My Number card can use the new application to verify their identity when accessing various government services online. This streamlined process could potentially reduce the need for physical visits to ward offices or immigration bureaus for certain procedures. For expats, the My Number card has become increasingly important for daily life in Japan. The card is required for various administrative tasks, from filing taxes to accessing healthcare services and applying for certain benefits. The new unified app builds on this existing infrastructure, making it easier to leverage the My Number card for digital transactions with government agencies. The launch of the consolidated app comes as Japan continues to push for greater digitalization of public services. The country has faced criticism in recent years for lagging behind other developed nations in digital government services, with many procedures still requiring paper forms and in-person visits. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these inefficiencies, prompting accelerated efforts to modernize administrative systems. While the Digital Agency has not released detailed information about all the specific services available through the new app, the focus on simplified identity verification suggests that users will be able to access a range of government procedures from a single platform. This could include services such as tax filing, pension information, health insurance management, and various certificate applications. For foreign residents considering whether to adopt the new app, it's worth noting that smartphone-based government services in Japan have been expanding rapidly. However, language support remains a critical consideration. Expats should check whether the new My Number app offers English or other language options to ensure they can navigate the system effectively. The consolidation also addresses security concerns by reducing the number of applications that store sensitive personal information. With all My Number-related functions in one place, users can more easily manage their privacy settings and monitor how their data is being used. As Japan continues to refine its digital government infrastructure, foreign residents should stay informed about updates to the My Number system. The new unified app represents a positive step toward more user-friendly government services, potentially making life in Japan more convenient for the expat community. Those who haven't yet obtained a My Number card may want to consider applying, as digital services increasingly become the standard for government interactions.