The July issue of the Shisei Dayori (City Info) includes an article on the new “My Number System” – individual numbers similar to social security numbers in the U.S. system.
First, here are some quotes of descriptions of the system from a view resources on the web:
— start quote — The Diet passed the “common number” bill May 24, paving the way for every resident, including foreigners, to be assigned a personal identification number. Holders of the “my number” IDs will be notified around fall 2015 and they will take effect starting in January 2016. — end quote — http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/06/11/reference/new-id-system-for-keeping-tax-tabs-finding-cheats/
For a critical view of the system see EDITORIALS ‘My number’ is dangerous http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/05/30/editorials/my-number-is-dangerous/
Official explanation about which foreigners will get “my numbers.” — start quote — Q 1-0 Does the Social Security and Tax Number System apply to foreigners? And if it does, does it apply to all foreigners? A 1-0 The Social Security and Tax Number System applies to foreigners who have legally resided in Japan for more than three months and have an address in Japan (i.e., if any one of the following classifications applies). — end quote — http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/bangoseido/english-faq.html
The address of the article with the information provided by the city is
http://www.kumamoto-if.or.jp/topics/topics_detail.asp?PageID=5&ID=7911&pg=1&sort=0&LC=e