Outfitted in prison stripes and cow costumes, the demonstrators denounced the "Juki Net" residents network set up last week, implying that it treats them like convicts or cattle. It links all citizens' personal data on a national computer network.
The protesters decried it as a "Big Brother" system.
"We don't want to be administered by numbers or have our information monitored!" read one banner. Some of the protesters had bar codes painted on their faces.
By assigning each of Japan's 126 million citizens an 11-digit ID number -- much like the U.S. social security system -- the government says it will be able to streamline administrative procedures.
The system is supposed to make it easier and faster for officials anywhere in the country to verify anyone's basic personal information. Officials say once the system is fully operational, residents will be able to obtain everything from passports to pensions from any local government office.
"The information will not be used indiscriminately by the government; it is to be used solely for verifying residence-related information," Public Management Ministry spokesman Tatsuro Yoshiyama said.
So far, the network can only be used to issue proof-of-residence documents -- needed to open a bank account or apply for a driver's license. Eventually, the system will cover more than 260 administrative procedures.
But not everyone agrees that convenience should be the deciding factor. Many have expressed worries about possible leaks and abuses of personal data.
"This system only makes things easier for bureaucrats, not for private citizens," said Keiko Fukuda, a 40-year-old piano teacher from Tokyo. "Besides, you only have to go a couple times a year to the city office. I just don't think it's necessary."
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