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 DisseminationStandards Bulletin Board Reviews of the Fund's Data Standards' Initiatives (Reviews) Special Data Dissemination Standard Site (SDDS) Introduction Metadata Data What's New Contact Us General Data Dissemination System Site (GDDS) Data Quality Reference Site (DQRS) |
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| The Data: Coverage, Periodicity, and Timeliness | ||||||||||||
| Coverage characteristics | 5.1.1 Statistical presentation Annual Accounts: Data for major indicators are presented in the following sequence of accounts:
Data are also presented on GDP by type of economic activity. | |||||||||||
| Periodicity | 4.1.1 Periodicity The periodicity of the national accounts is quarterly | |||||||||||
| Timeliness | 4.1.2 Timeliness About two weeks of the first month after each quarter. | |||||||||||
| Access by the Public | ||||||||||||
| Advance dissemination of release calendar | 5.1.3 Advance release calendar Release dates of Quarterly Estimates of GDP (preliminary) are announced about six month ahead of the reference quarter. They are also available on the ESRI website: | |||||||||||
| Simultaneous release to all interested parties | 5.1.4 Simultaneous release The data are released simultaneously to all interested parties by issuing a press release to members of the press and on the ESRI website.
A leaflet containing data for major components and some explanatory text is available to all interested parties at the same time. | |||||||||||
| Integrity | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of terms and conditions under which official statistics are produced, including those relating to the confidentiality of individually identifiable information | 0.1.1 Responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office National accounts (including data on GDP and general government operation data) compiled and published by the Cabinet Office (CAO) are governed by the Statistics Act (Act no.53 of 2007).National accounts The actual compilation of the national accounts takes place in the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), an “extraordinary organ” in the organization chart of the CAO, and is conducted by the Department of National Accounts (DNA) of the ESRI.
Founded in January 2001 as part of the Cabinet Office the ESRI publishes both the Preliminary Quarterly GDP Estimates and the Annual Report on National Accounts. National accounts are regarded as second-tier statistics in Japan, because they use data compiled by other agencies (including the survey data). Data collected from surveys in Japan are subject to the Statistics Law and/or the Statistical Reports Coordination Law. These laws classify survey-based statistics into “key statistics,” “general statistics.” key statistics are supported by stronger legal restrictions, such as penalties for noncompliance. The statistics are prepared under a decentralized system, whereby a relevant government ministry or agency implements the surveys, including censuses, in the field of its own public administrative jurisdiction. 0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office Necessary contacts are maintained with other data producing agencies, including meetings held by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affaires and Communications (MIC).National accounts The DNA contacts and arranges with source data-producing agencies to promote consistency with international standards and to improve coverage and accuracy. The relationships are both formal and informal. The informal contacts with data providers usually resolve questions about special developments in source data, which are dealt with in aggregate data. The DNA uses administrative data sources only to a very limited extent because, for legal and confidentiality reasons, such data usually cannot be made available for statistical purposes.
In 2007, the Statistics Law was amended and it promotes contacts and arrangements across data producing agencies by the Statistics Commission. 0.1.3 Confidentiality of individual reporters' data Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The Statistics Act stipulates the penalty for offenders(Articles 58).National accounts The DNA is not involved in primary data collection except for three surveys that it conducts under the Statistics Law. 0.1.4 Ensuring statistical reporting Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The CAO is able to require the cooperation of the administrative organs to collect sorce data for national accounts(Statistics Act(Article 29 and 30).National accounts The three surveys conducted by DNA are on (1) basic statistics for nonprofit organizations (NPO), for which there are no other statistics, (2) expenditures of local governments, based on a sample of primarily big cities, and (3)install and remove of investment by private enterprises. This collection supplements surveys conducted by the MIC for intermediate input ratios and other data, under the Statistics Law. The DNA uses the local government results exclusively for national accounts purposes, whereas it also publishes the NPO results as separate statistics. There is however no legal mandatory reporting of these basic data, because they are not “key statistics”. 0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The number of the staff―50 members in the Department of National Accounts (DNA) ―is smaller compared with other countries. Physical facilities and funding are adequate to perform required tasks. National accounts About 80 percent of the DNA staff have an academic degree. The nongraduates represent the continuity in the compilation work against a background of a rotation system for the graduate staff. Thus, most staff work in the DNA work for only a relatively short period (two years). Skills of staff members are developed and maintained primarily by training courses and on-the-job training. About 30 staff are fully allocated to tasks related to the current compilation work. The remaining 15 deal with capital stock calculations, regional accounts (mainly coordination and the annual publication on regional accounts), and other tasks. The staff also perform tasks relating to source data (such as formal cooperation with data providers), system development, and analysis of the resulting national accounts data. 0.2.2 Ensuring efficient use of resources Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office Work processes are reviewed whenever necessary.National accounts Work processes are reviewed whenever necessary. Improvement of work processes is one of the subjects of a comprehensive review of the so-called legacy system. In the ESRI, the Division for Information Systems and Public Affairs that belongs to the Department of Information and Research Cooperation specializes in developing and managing the hardware resources of the ESRI.0.3.1 Monitoring user requirements Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The Statistics Commission of independent outside experts, who are also users of the statistics, acts as an important source of information about users’ needs and the relevance of the statistics produced. Opinions and comments on methodological issues and others are asked widely of data users through the website, and the replies examined. National accounts The Sub Commission for the National Accounts of the Statistics Commission consists of independent outside experts, who are also users of the statistics, acts as an important source of information about users’ needs and the relevance of the statistics produced.
Opinions and comments on methodological issues and others are asked widely of data users through the website, and the replies examined. 0.4.1 Quality policy Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office In the framework of the policy evaluation, the target of the DNA is to improve the quality of the national accounts. According to this framework, self-evaluation is conducted and the result is published.National accounts The list of annual objectives states that the DNA will produce high-quality data objectively. The annual objectives are defined in the framework of the policy evaluation, which requires that each government agency must (1) specify a set of objectives or targets, (2) produce a policy evaluation implementation plan, and (3) assess its achievement and be accountable by publishing the results of the self-assessment. In this framework, the target of the DNA is to improve the quality of the national accounts. In August 2005, the DNA conducted its selfevaluation according to the above framework, and the result is published on the CAO website.0.4.2 Quality monitoring Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The DNA seeks to improve quality by evaluating accuracy of the estimates whenever necessary. During the process of benchmark revisions in every fifth year, complete reviews are conducted.0.4.3 Quality planning Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The planning process takes place from January to August for the next year. In this process, a systematic review of the quality of the statistics is conducted.National accounts For national accounts, the planning is based on the above-mentioned review meeting, at which ESRI outlines a plan for implementing a “task list” and requests the resources in the framework of the budgeting procedure. In the current work program for ESRI the collaboration of the research section of the ESRI with the DNA is strengthened for better quality of national accounts. During the budgeting process, the DNA explains to the financing authorities the contents of programs, the necessity for them, and other related points.1.1.1 Impartiality of statistics Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The Law Establishing the Cabinet Office, which provides for the compilation of national accounts within the jurisdiction of the CAO, supports independence in the compilation of the statistics. The Statistics Commission of independent outside experts contributes to ensuring objectivity in the compilation of the statistics. National accounts In the organization chart of CAO, ESRI is listed under “extraordinary organs,” indicating a distance from the policy-oriented agencies of the CAO. The Law Establishing the Cabinet Office, which provides for the compilation of national accounts data within the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Office, contains no legal or other formal provision to support professional independence of the ESRI (or DNA) in its capacity as producer of statistics. Nevertheless its professionalism is traditionally established. The ESRI president is usually a highly regarded academic with a background in the economic or social sciences. The president is appointed for a two-year renewable term. The tenure term does not usually coincide with that of the government. The ESRI president has the final decision on all statistical matters under the competence of the ESRI and may see and formally approve statistical data before they are released. Independence is reinforced by the fact that ESRI strictly prohibits the leakage of statistical information by the rule of information control. Also, prior ministerial access to the data is only provided minutes before the scheduled release time in connection with a press briefing of the quarterly accounts.
Professionalism is promoted and supported within the DNA through training courses and on-the-job training in the methodology and compilation methods, including participation in seminars, courses, and workshops arranged by regional and international organizations. Processes and activities in the workplace promote a culture of professionalism (e.g., recognition of authors of methodological papers, organization of lectures and conferences, and the institutional support of professional bodies). ESRI has several channels for publishing research and analysis, such as the Discussion Paper series of the ESRI and the National Accounts Quarterly of the Department. The publication of the Discussion Paper series is subject to internal review. Even if a formal process of internal review is not established, explanation to and discussion with the executives supports the quality of papers, including documentation (metadata). 1.1.2 Selection of sources, methodology, and modes of dissemination Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The choice of source data and statistical techniques is based only on consideration of data quality, except when it is against laws or other provisions.National accounts The involvement of Sub Commission for the National Accounts and its working groups in many of these decisions is a further safeguard. Specific release dates of quarterly preliminary estimates are announced in a release calendar on the ESRI website and determined by the timing of release of the relevant source data. However, the timeliness of the preliminary quarterly estimates releases (6 weeks after the reference quarter) is determined by more overarching considerations, where a balance between timeliness and reliability has been decided.1.1.3 Commenting on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office In case the statistics are misinterpreted or misused by the media or others, the DNA usually makes a formal request to be allotted a refutation.National accounts The DNA actively seeks to prevent misinterpretations or misuse of its statistics by providing explanatory materials to the public, including the media. It also briefs the media on the release of the quarterly data. DNA follows the media coverage of its statistics in cooperation with the Public Relations Office. The ESRI president decides whether a refutation should be requested or not. Further explanations of and comments on public criticism of the released data could be published on the ESRI website.1.2.1 Disclosure of terms and conditions for statistical collection, processing, and dissemination Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office Copies of the Law Establishing the Cabinet Office are available in Japanese at: Government Publications Service Center, National accounts Laws and documents relating to source data for compiling national accounts statistics are posted on the relevant government department websites and/or included in published collections of laws and regulations. Copies of the relevant laws are available from the Government Publications Service Center. Several documents in various degrees of detail are available to explain the System of National Accounts in Japan. These documents on compilation methods, release schedule, and other material are posted—often in great detail—on the ESRI website. The ESRI website and the DNA statistical publications also indicate where users can find more information. Contact points are clearly shown on the ESRI website and in each publication.1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The National Public Service Ethics Law and the National Public Service Officials Ethics Code have been established, while are applied to all public servants including statistical staff. For the national accounts statistics, the rule of information control has been established, and leakage of statistical information is strictly controlled. National accounts The rules are therefore not specific for statistical staff but deal generally with government employees and the way they should perform their duties. The purpose of the law is to ensure trust of public servants, deter them from activities that could create suspicion or distrust about the fairness of their duties, and bestow on them the recognition that they are servants of the whole nation. To this effect, the ethics code requires that employees always make sure not to give unfair treatment to the public, distinguish between private and public affairs, not take action that may create public suspicion or distrust, and work in the public interest. It also mandates that government employees never use their positions for individual gain for themselves or any organization they belong to. In terms of this code, heads of ministries and government agencies can, in addition, develop their own ethics instructions applicable specifically for their agency. According to the Public Service Code, each agency has to submit a quarterly report to the National Public Service Ethics Board about any incidents that may come under the code.
For the national accounts statistics, ESRI has established the rule of information control (see 1.1.1.). This rule deals also with the internal access to the data during the compilation process. Management acknowledges its status as a role model and is vigilant in following the standards, and staff are reminded periodically of the National Public Service Ethics Law and the National Public Service Officials Ethics Code. | |||||||||||
| Identification of internal government access to data before release | 1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to release Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office No staff other than in the DNA are allowed to access to the data prior to their release to the public.National accounts In regard with quarterly estimates of GDP, specified staff can access to the data prior to the release. A few hours before the release, DNA offer the data to the staff. | |||||||||||
| Identification of ministerial commentary on the occasion of statistical releases | 1.2.3 Attribution of statistical products Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office The name and logo of the ESRI and CAO are clearly shown on publications. No ministerial commentary is attached to the release of the data. National accounts The text version of national account releases is always indicated as coming from the Department of National Accounts, Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office. Thus the major Annual Report on National Accounts has both the logos of ESRI and CAO on the front cover, whereas a print from the ESRI website of a quarterly release has only the ESRI logo. Documentation and prints of individual tables from the ESRI website will often have a more limited identification. There are no cases where DNA has been involved in joint publications that also contain policy interpretations. DNA requests attribution when its statistics are used or reproduced. | |||||||||||
| Provision of information about revision and advance notice of major changes in methodology | 4.3.1 Revision schedule The revision cycle as stated below is explained in the System of National Accounts in Japan (Sources and Methods) and the Estimation Method of Preliminary Quarterly GDP (QE).
The revision cycle is stable from year to year. The preliminary quarterly estimates are revised with each new release, incorporating revisions to the source data. Annual revisions take place about 9 month after the reference fiscal year. Except for the benchmark revisions which take place every fifth year, the annual and quarterly data become final with the second release of annual revisions about 21 months after the reference fiscal year. However, as the seasonal factors are recalculated every quarter, the seasonally adjusted quarterly data will show minor changes with each new release. 4.3.2 Identification of preliminary and/or revised data At the time of data release, it is clearly stated whether released data are first preliminary, second preliminary, or revised annual estimates. When revisions outside the regular cycle are made, they are explained in the published materials and on the ESRI website “Notice on Usage.”1.2.4 Advance notice of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques. Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office When major changes in methodologies are made, an advance notice is given on the CAO's website (http://www.esri.cao.go.jp/jp/sna/menu.html) only in Japanese. National accounts More comprehensive changes, such as the introduction of the System of National Accounts 1993 (1993 SNA), in Japan national accounts are also announced in articles and news releases. For instance, the change to chaining methods in the volume data in December 2004 was announced two months in advance. In such cases, the Sub Commission for the National Accounts is often consulted. Also, because the discussions that precede the changes are open to the public, the users will often be aware of the pending changes long before the changes are actually implemented. | |||||||||||
| Quality | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of documentation on methodology and sources used in preparing statistics | 5.2.1 Dissemination of documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques Details of the methodology on a 1968 SNA basis are published in The System of National Accounts in Japan by the Economic Planning Agency in January 1980. The publication is now out of stock, but the DNA of the CAO is prepared to lend copies to interested users. 5.2.2 Disseminated level of detail For general users, explanations of definitions and terminology are included as appendices in the Annual Report on National Accounts. An illustrative booklet on the Japanese national accounts is available, as an introduction for uses who have no prior knowledge in national accounts, in hard copy and on the ESRI website. For more specialized users, the explanatory documents are available in hard copy and on ESRI website as described above (section 5.2.1). (See also summary methodology) | |||||||||||
| Dissemination of component detail, reconciliations with related data, and statistical frameworks that support statistical cross-checks and provide assurance of reasonableness | 4.2.1 Internal consistency While statistical discrepancies remain between production series and expenditure series, they are shown explicitly in published materials.
GDP estimates at current prices, volume measures, and deflators are consistent within the “value = volume × price” framework.
The quarterly data are consistent with the annual data. Concepts, definitions, and classifications are the same, and the quarterly data are benchmarked to the annual data whenever new annual data become available. 4.2.2 Temporal consistency For GDP from the expenditure side and its components, consistent time series on a 1993 SNA basis with 2000 as the benchmark year are available from 1994 onwards in current prices and in volume measures. Comparable time series for 1980-1994 are available with 1995 as the benchmark year, and those for 1955-1980 are available on a 1968 SNA basis.
Detailed methodological notes identify and explain the main breaks and discontinuities in time series, their causes, as well as adjustments made to maintain consistency over time, usually in “Notice on Usage” on the ESRI website.
In case unusual changes occur in economic trends, of which users of national accounts data should take notice, they are explained in the publication on the ESRI website. 4.2.3 Intersectoral and cross-domain consistency National accounts data are largely consistent with the Balance of Payments Statistics, government finance data, and other statistical frameworks, as relevant. | |||||||||||
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