A full-scale electronic government is about to make its debut in Japan. Beginning Aug. 25, the central and local governments will be linked nationwide by an online resident-registration network. "Juki Net," as the system is known, went into limited operation last August. It identifies each resident by an 11-digit code and registers six types of basic personal information, such as name and domicile.

Full operation promises to bring a variety of benefits. It will enable the central and local governments to make better use of registered personal data in their administrative services. Residents will have "Juki cards" issued so that they can obtain copies of their residency certificates in any city, town or village.

Virtually every nook and corner of the Japanese archipelago will be connected by a state-run computer network. While the central government is going all out to promote the Juki Net, not all local governments are joining the bandwagon. Many worry, with good reason, that personal information in the national database might find its way into the hands of third parties.