Japan has characteristics that give it significant advantages for developing its national innovation system. In particular, there is much to be learned regarding its S&T data development and sharing. Focusing on the development of an information platform of S&T data, this article highlights the lessons from the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy, both under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Recommendations are presented regarding ways to establish and use an S&T data platform in China.