TOKYO: The Japanese government launched a smartphone app on Monday that allows people to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination for a range of purposes, including immigration procedures.

According to the government's Digital Agency, the 'Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate Application' is available for both iPhone and Android smartphones, and it displays information such as the number of doses a user has received, the dates of immunisation, and the vaccine manufacturer. Through the "My Number" national identification system, the app enables people to obtain vaccination certification. All Japanese citizens and residents are given 12-digit ID numbers; however, My Number cards must be applied for separately.

People can check their immunisation status on the app by scanning their My Number cards with a smartphone. The vaccination records are saved in the Vaccination Record System, a government-created cloud system (VRS).

The VRS system does not cover all municipalities, and a list of municipalities whose residents are eligible for the service can be found on the Digital Agency website. Users who wish to travel internationally must enter their passport information. So far, the app's instructions are only available in Japanese.

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