My Number

[matsuki]

PR failure: Matsuki is more on top of pop culture than I am, but doesn't know about マイナちゃん

Just the name for that makes me think it would be a jailbaitish mascot, which knowing Japan means it's either an 8 year old girl prancing around in bikini/underwear or a 115kg transvestite.

[Russell]

I am confused.

It seems that you can take a picture of yourself and send it to the government agency that administers the my-number system.

Is this picture obligatory?

[wagyl]

If you want the card, similar to the zairyu card, it needs a photo and it is necessary. At this stage, the card itself is not necessary. Who knows what the future brings with that one, though.