Japan, known for its technological advancements, finally bid farewell to floppy disks this week. Despite being obsolete for 13 years, the country just recently eliminated all regulations requiring the use of floppy disks for administrative purposes.
The floppy disk, a magnetic disk encased in plastic, was once a common storage device in the computing world. However, with the rise of more modern forms of memory like flash drives and internet cloud storage, the floppy disk became outdated. Even in the 1990s, it was on its way to becoming a relic of the past along with cassette tapes.
Unlike other countries that quickly adapted to newer technologies, Japan held on to floppy disks, fax machines, and other outdated tech like cash. It wasn’t until two years ago that Japan started moving away from these 20th-century storage devices, with the country’s digital minister, Taro Kono, declaring a “war on floppy disks.”
The shift away from floppy disks was evident in the southern town of Tsuwano, where officials in the accounting department only replaced their stack of floppy disks in April 2023. This delay in transitioning to more modern technologies highlights Japan’s unique relationship with outdated tech.
While Japan is known for its consumer electronics giants, robots, and fast broadband networks, the country’s attachment to floppy disks persisted long after the rest of the world had moved on. The recent decision to officially ban floppy disks for administrative use marks a significant step towards embracing more current and efficient technologies in Japan’s digital landscape.
