In recent years, administrative procedures have increasingly moved online, and an environment is being created where public support systems can be accessed even from smartphones. So, how accessible are these systems to the public in reality?

To shed light on the actual usage of public support systems by individuals and the current challenges, btobee Inc. (https://btobee.co.jp/), which supports subsidy applications for system development by consultants specializing in the IT field (Location: Chofu City, Tokyo; Representative: Kenshiro Nakamura), conducted a survey targeting 301 men and women aged 20 to 69 who had considered applying for these systems.

The survey results indicated that while over half of respondents expressed interest in the systems, concerns about screening and the effort required for document preparation posed hurdles to system utilization, suggesting a need to reduce the burden of the application process.

[Survey Highlights]

- Approximately 30% of those who considered using the systems "gave up midway" through the application process.

- The biggest hassle cited by those who completed applications was "obtaining and preparing necessary documents," accounting for about 30%.

- Over half of respondents hope for "simplification of application procedures" as a future system improvement.

*For details on the survey methodology and participants, please refer to the "Survey Implementation Overview" section below.

Main Survey Results

1. 51.3% of individuals are "interested" in public support systems, and 24.4% have "considered applying" for them.

First, we present the results of a preliminary survey on individuals' interest in and experience with considering applications for public support systems, to clarify the current situation and challenges related to their use.

*The survey excluded systems that are automatically applied or do not require application/procedures.

The proportion of people who are "very interested" (17.4%) and "somewhat interested" (33.9%) in public support systems combined was 51.3%, indicating that over half of the population is interested. Furthermore, 24.4% of respondents reported having "considered applying" for systems that could benefit themselves or their families.

This suggests that public support systems are a topic of high interest and relevance to individuals, with a considerable number actively considering their utilization.

2. While 52.2% of those who considered applying "completed the procedures," 29.9% "gave up midway."

This survey was conducted among those who responded to the preliminary survey that they had "considered applying" for public support systems. Here, we examine the proportion of people who took concrete action towards using the systems and were able to complete their applications.

Of the public support systems considered, 52.2% of applicants successfully completed all application procedures without giving up. On the other hand, 29.9% reported having "given up midway through the investigation of eligibility or the application process." Additionally, 11.3% found that "all considered systems were not applicable."

While over half of those who considered applying completed the procedures, excluding cases where they stopped because they found they did not meet the requirements, approximately one in three gave up midway through the process. It appears that a significant number of people who positively considered using the systems ultimately abandon the application before completion.

3. The biggest reason for giving up on applications was "uncertainty about passing the screening," cited by 22.2%.

Next, we examine the specific hurdles that lead people to abandon their applications after considering them. We asked individuals who had considered applying but did not proceed, about the primary reason for their decision.

The most common reason cited was "uncertainty about passing the screening (receiving benefits)," accounting for 22.2%. This was followed by "inability to determine if I met the eligibility criteria" and "feeling that the effort of the procedures did not justify the benefit amount," both at 16.7%. "The application procedures, and the preparation/filling out of documents were troublesome" was cited by 13.3%.

While a certain number of people cited the hassle of administrative procedures as the main reason, uncertainty about the outcome, such as whether they would receive benefits or meet the eligibility criteria, ranked higher. The anxiety of having to proceed with complex procedures without knowing if they could reliably receive support appears to be a major factor in ultimately abandoning the application.

4. The most time-consuming task for those who completed applications was "obtaining and preparing necessary documents," at 29.6%.

What aspects of the application process did people find most burdensome? We then asked those who had completed the procedures to identify the task that caused them the most trouble or stress.

"Obtaining and preparing necessary documents (such as resident records)" was cited by 29.6%, making it the most common response. This was followed by "reading and understanding the application guidelines and rules" at 19.9%. "Filling out the application form and entering information into the system" and "procedures and inquiries at the government office counter" were tied at 16.5%.

Even in cases where the application was successfully completed, the burden of preparing necessary documents and understanding the system's details was significant. Even with the ongoing advancement of online administrative procedures, the burden of preparation remains high and appears to be a major hurdle to utilizing these systems.

5. The most desired improvement for support systems was "simplification of application procedures (53.8%)," followed by "online completion (41.9%)."

To make public support systems more accessible, what specific improvements are needed? Finally, we asked all individuals who had considered applying for public support systems about the improvements and support they would like to see in the future.

"Simplification of application procedures (e.g., reduction of submitted documents)" was the most requested improvement, at 53.8%. This was followed by "online completion of application systems" at 41.9%, "clear explanations of system content and conditions (e.g., with diagrams)" at 36.9%, and "automatic notification/proposal of suitable systems" at 28.6%.

Notably, only 1.7% responded "not particularly necessary/do not wish to use." This indicates that many people feel there is room for improvement in the current systems and application processes when considering the use of public support.

Among these, "simplification of procedures" was the only request that garnered over half of the responses, suggesting that individuals primarily desire a reduction in the physical effort required for applications. For these systems to become more widespread, an environment where anyone can easily apply is essential.

Conclusion: Towards a Society Where Everyone Can Access Public Support Systems Without Hesitation

This survey revealed high interest in public support systems, with a considerable number of people considering their actual use. However, when attempting to proceed with the procedures, there appear to be significant barriers in understanding complex rules and gathering documents independently amidst the uncertainty of whether support will actually be received.

Currently, these systems, intended to provide support, are perceived as requiring significant effort to utilize. The approach needed is to first minimize troublesome tasks and efforts involved in applications, thereby reducing the burden on users.

To encourage wider use of these systems, the key will be to bridge the gap between the complex mechanisms and the people who wish to use them. Efforts to reduce the burden of practical tasks so that anyone can access them without hesitation will become increasingly important in the future society.

Survey Implementation Overview

Survey Organization: In-house survey

Survey Method: Internet survey (conducted by i-bridge Inc. "Freeasy")

Target Area: Nationwide Japan

Survey Period:

[Preliminary Survey] June 9, 2026

[Main Survey] June 11, 2026

Target Participants and Valid Responses:

[Preliminary Survey] 3,000 men and women aged 20-69

[Main Survey] 301 individuals from the above who had considered applying for public support systems.

*The survey excluded systems that are automatically applied or do not require application/procedures. *The preliminary survey was conducted with quotas set according to the population composition by age and gender. The main survey was conducted with quotas set based on the incidence rates from the preliminary survey. *The percentages in the survey results and graphs in this release are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

Questionnaire Content

How interested are you in public support systems (various grants, subsidies, childcare support, housing-related subsidies, etc.) provided by the national and local governments?

Have you or your family members ever considered "applying" for any public support systems for which you might be eligible?

For the public support systems you have considered using, please select all that apply to your situation.

What was the "biggest reason" you considered using a public support system but did not apply?

What task caused you the most trouble or stress during the application process for public support systems?

To make public support systems more accessible in the future, what improvements or support do you feel are necessary? Please select up to three important items.

Latest know-how regarding subsidy utilization and IT support is also being shared on the following sites. Please take advantage of them. Corporate Site: https://btobee.co.jp/ Operating Blog: https://btobee.co.jp/cms/

btobee Inc.

btobee Inc. focuses its business on supporting subsidy applications for system development and DX implementation by consultants specializing in the IT field. With a track record of over 90% success rate, they provide comprehensive support from business plan creation to post-approval procedures, easing the burden of complex application processes and supporting corporate challenges and growth.

▼ Main Use Cases

Fundraising for proprietary services: Significantly reduces the initial investment risk for planning new IT services or adding features.

Securing funds for DX/AI implementation: Ensures sufficient funds for internal DX and operational efficiency improvements that are often postponed due to budget constraints.

Strengthening proposals in commissioned development sales: Offers system development as a package with subsidies, serving as a powerful sales tool to reduce client costs.

▼ Main Subsidies Supported

Monozukuri, Commerce, and Service Productivity Enhancement Promotion Subsidy

SME Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy (General Type)

SME New Business Venture Subsidy

Business Environment Change Adaptation Management Foundation Strengthening Project (Tokyo Metropolitan Area Only), etc.

【Company Outline】

Company Name: btobee Inc.

Location: 3-16-4 Kikunodai, Chofu City, Tokyo

Established: November 2019

Representative: Kenshiro Nakamura

Business Activities: Subsidy application support, tax reduction system utilization support, LLM-based search service development, overseas human resource recruitment platform business.

Company Homepage: https://btobee.co.jp/

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FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果