Japanese efforts to contain the spread of the virus have been undermined by a failure to adjust to new developments in the pandemic, a lack of information, and a decentralised response. This is despite the implementation of several mitigation strategies. The government has employed public surveys for data collection, making use of an existing and widely used application called LINE in order to grasp the magnitude of the spread. As a result of the popular use of LINE by members of Japanese society, the surveys’ response rates have been high. The government is now also planning on introducing a “contact-tracing” app which is designed to inform users if they have been in contact with someone infected. However, the Japanese case highlights how apps are only effective if they are part of a concerted general effort to counter the disease. Disorganised data collection has rendered information inaccessible. A fragmented approach to the implementation of technology in governance has also impeded its use in the national COVID-19 response. Importantly, a continued failure to contain the virus will have significant effects on healthcare, public trust, and the national economy.