Fime Launches Digital ID Reader Test for Japan's My Number Card

Published Date : 7/29/2025 

Fime, a leading strategic consultancy and testing provider, has developed a new Digital Identity Reader Test Suite to enhance interoperability and scalability of mobile solutions using Japan's My Number Card. The tool supports national requirements and international standards, promoting secure and user-centric identity verification. 

Japan has enlisted the help of strategic consultancy and testing provider Fime to enable interoperable and scalable testing for mobile solutions using the country’s digital identity. The new Digital Identity Reader Test Suite from Fime is tailored to accelerate the interoperability of an innovation within the digital identity ecosystem of Japan’s My Number Card.

The Digital Identity Reader Test Suite supports the Japanese language, and enables vendors to validate the solutions they develop against national requirements and international standards for data transfers between devices. It supports conformance validation as part of a broader effort to align My Number Card with the ISO/IEC 18013-5:2021 standard for personal identification, which sets interface specifications for mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs).

My Number Card stores demographic details and a photo for biometric comparison, and the testing tool is intended to help applications for a range of use cases including retail, travel, and healthcare. Japan announced new rules for remote bank account opening in June, which will require identity verification through scanning the chip in a My Number Card or driver’s license by April 2027.

Fime says the tool shows Japan’s leadership in secure and user-centric identity verification, and will help increase user adoption. “At Fime, we see digital identity not just as a technology, but as a foundation for inclusive, secure digital societies,” comments James Daniels, SVP Asia Pacific at Fime. “Our work to support the My Number Card reflects our expertise in helping turn complex global standards into tangible, interoperable solutions that scale. By equipping vendors with cutting-edge test tools and expert guidance, we help accelerate innovation, establish trust, and support compliance — essential ingredients for the future adoption of digital identity.”

Fime built up its digital identity advisory capabilities with the acquisition of Consult Hyperion last year, a few months after itself being acquired by Gallant Capital Partners. Japan had issued approximately 98 million My Number Cards as of the end of May. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Digital Identity Reader Test Suite?

A: The Digital Identity Reader Test Suite is a tool developed by Fime to enable interoperable and scalable testing for mobile solutions using Japan’s My Number Card. It supports the Japanese language and helps vendors validate their solutions against national and international standards.

Q: What is the My Number Card?

A: The My Number Card is a national ID card in Japan that stores demographic details and a photo for biometric comparison. It is used for various applications, including identity verification, retail, travel, and healthcare.

Q: How does the test suite support international standards?

A: The Digital Identity Reader Test Suite supports the ISO/IEC 18013-5:2021 standard for personal identification, which sets interface specifications for mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs). This ensures that solutions developed are compliant with both national and international standards.

Q: What new rules were announced for remote bank account opening in Japan?

A: Japan announced new rules in June 2023 requiring identity verification through scanning the chip in a My Number Card or driver’s license by April 2027 for remote bank account openings.

Q: How many My Number Cards have been issued in Japan?

A: As of the end of May, approximately 98 million My Number Cards have been issued in Japan. 

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