Using "Rising Sun 2007" as the name of its promotional program, GCI Japan aims at realizing B-to-B commerce based on Japan's domestically standardized XML-EDI and starting the practical operation of GDS (synchronization of master data) in 2007. These activities are being performed in close cooperation with the National Project for Supply Chain Information System Standardization sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. With the advent of Rising Sun 2007, GCI Japan will focus on the following three action agenda items:
(1) Start practical utilization of XML-EDI and GDS and increase user companies
XML-EDI and GDS are already being put to practical use by pioneering companies. GCI Japan will aim to increase the number of companies beyond the boundaries of industries, types of operation, and company sizes.
(2) Conduct active PR for members and non-members
GCI Japan will conduct active PR programs to promote not only XML-EDI and GDS but also electronic tags (Electronic Product Code: EPC) which are expected to be the next-generation data carrier and ECR Scorecard as a tool for evaluating companies' ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) adoption.
(3) Enhance international cooperation further
Continuing last year's efforts to lay the foundation for participating in GSMP and other international supply chain standardization activities, GCI Japan will enhance "bidirectional international cooperation" with an emphasis on the dissemination of information from Japan to parties abroad, for example, sending a delegation overseas and submitting change requests to the GS1 standards.

As of August 2007, GCI Japan consists of 84 member companies, and more than 400 individuals including WG and TF members now work for this organization. The figure below outlines the organizational structure of GCI Japan.

Fig.8.2-1 GCI Japan Organization Chart in FY2007