iam-jpki.jp

What It Is

IAM〈アイアム〉 is a Japanese public personal authentication app provided by Shift Plus, designed for municipal deployment and citizen use. It uses the JPKI capabilities of the My Number Card for online identity verification and electronic signatures, and can also handle Individual Number submission via the card-face information input assistance AP. Typical use cases include online municipal applications, reservations, and ふるさと納税 One-Stop Special Exception applications.

Core Capabilities and Security Design

In terms of protection type, IAM is not a traditional endpoint antivirus or network perimeter security product. Rather, it is an identity and trust infrastructure tool, focused on strong identity authentication, electronic signatures, and submission of sensitive identification numbers. The materials explicitly state that the app does not store sensitive data such as Individual Numbers; users authenticate only through IAM and the My Number Card during the application process. This helps reduce mobile-side data retention and potential leakage exposure. Deployment supports both iOS and Android. For PC-based applications, users scan a QR code to trigger mobile authentication; on mobile, IAM can be launched directly, making the workflow relatively lightweight. Development involved NTT Communications and NTT DATA, and both the developers and data centers are located in Japan, making it suitable for Japanese public-sector scenarios with data residency requirements.

Compliance, Pricing, and Integration

On compliance, the page states that IAM conforms to Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Number Act, and that My Number acquisition is feasible under the relevant legal framework. However, it also notes that each specific application scenario should be checked for regulatory compatibility. General security certifications such as ISO or SOC are not disclosed. In terms of pricing, it is free for end users, but device, software, communication, and network costs are borne by the user; deployment fees for municipalities or enterprises are not publicly disclosed. For integration, motiONE, otetsuzuki, ふるまど, and general-purpose form systems are mentioned, while integration with proprietary forms requires consultation.

Pros, Cons, and Best Fit

IAM’s advantages are its strong fit with Japan’s government identity framework, simple operation, no need for initial registration, and the fact that sensitive data is not stored inside the app. Its limitations include insufficient information on admin consoles, auditing, alerts, SLAs, implementation pricing, and third-party certifications. The terms of service also do not guarantee continuous availability or fault-free operation. It is best suited for Japanese local governments, contracted service providers, and administrative business systems that need to connect to JPKI.

Access from China and Alternatives

Its accessibility from China cannot be determined from the available information, so the status is rated as unknown. Even if it is accessible, its practical value is limited without a Japanese My Number Card and a Japanese municipal service context; supported payment methods are also not disclosed. China-based projects should generally prioritize domestic government identity authentication, public-security real-name verification, electronic signature, or eKYC services as alternatives.