The History of Internet in Japan

These days, Japan is known as one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. However, the internet was only introduced during the mid-1980s, so it's remarkable that this nation has made such leaps in online development. In this article, we'll take a look at the history of the internet in Japan.

Just as in other countries, the internet was initially introduced as something of an experiment. It wasn't obvious whether or not it would actually end up being successful, and its origins were simply as an experimental network project that computer scientists would use to share their ideas and helpful information amongst each other. This network was called JUNET, and it linked three universities within Tokyo. It was also connected to the equivalent system in the US, but this was as far as the connection went.

JUNET began to gain popularity amongst scientists outside of those who were the first to use it, as well as those interested in computer science. In the 1980s, a new research project began, which at the time was known as WIDE, or Widely Integrated Distributed Environment. This was a domestic network that also connected with the similar system in the US, via direct Internet Protocol technology. This second research project marked the beginning of Japan's internet revolution.

WIDE began to capture the attention of Japanese corporations seeking a better, more direct connection with the US. However, there was soon after an unforeseen demand that reached beyond commercial purposes.

The INET event, held in Kobe, Japan in June 1992, brought together users of the internet from all over the world. It was after this event that the internet in Japan began to take off, with the first commercial provider TWICS beginning service. This meant that an everyday person was able to use the internet for the first time. Eventually, the IIJ, a start-up ISP, obtained an official license from the government to officially connect to international internet.

Today it is estimated that 91.1% of Japan's population is online - that's a 3.4% share of global internet users (Source: Internet Live Stats).

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