Takashi Endo, the chairman of the Diet affairs committee at Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), addressed questions from reporters regarding the decision to maintain the ban on tablet computers during plenary sessions. This move was made following discussions during an April 4 meeting where concerns about the potential compromise of the "authority" of proceedings were raised by lawmakers from different parliamentary groups.
Endo challenged the reasoning behind the ban, questioning how the use of tablet computers could undermine authority and expressing disbelief about the reluctance to embrace digitalization. On the other hand, Shunichi Yamaguchi, the chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Lower House, emphasized that only a small number of politicians currently utilize tablet electronics, indicating a lack of widespread adoption within the parliamentary setting. Yamaguchi also highlighted that the original plans for reforming Diet proceedings involved trying and verifying electronic devices at committees first before determining the future course of action.
Despite the decision to maintain the ban on tablet computers during plenary sessions, the Lower House approved the paperless publication of committee reports and the online disclosure of details regarding lawmakers' visits abroad. The discussion surrounding the use of tablet PCs and the concerns about authority in parliamentary proceedings reflect the ongoing debate about incorporating technology while upholding the traditional principles of governance.