Japan is a country that has stunned the world with its impeccable disaster management capabilities as discussed in one of my previous articles. But there’s more than the trait of resilience, that is globally attributed to Japan– the future. The Land of the Rising Sun awes every first-time visitor with its embrace of technology and innovation. Practically everyone must have come across one of those videos all over the internet with the caption ‘Japan is already living in 2050’ featuring everything ranging from energy drink-infused cup noodles to customizable toilet seats. ‘Japan is the future’, says every YouTuber to visit the country, hailing it as the ultimate place for convenience, with a society that strives for efficiency. A more fascinating feature of the nation is its adherence to its traditions. While soaring with technology, Japan has its roots firmly planted in traditions. This unique nature can be attributed to a combination of factors, including innovation, cultural adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset of the Japanese people.
This article throws light on a few of the futuristic features in Japan, and how they provide us with a glimpse into what the future could look like.
Leaders of Robotics
Japan’s reputation as a global tech leader is well-established. Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced automation have permeated various aspects of daily life in Japan. So much so that robots are very common in restaurants and receptions. Humanoid robots also seamlessly assist in households and workplaces, and involve in not just normal tasks but also in providing companionship and care for the elderly.
Also, cashless payments reign supreme in Japan. Public transportation, vending machines, and even small shops embrace digital transactions, adding to the efficiency experience.
Connectivity
A geographical feature of Japan that people don’t realize is that it is an archipelago of thousands of islands (recent mappings have discovered and doubled the number of islands from 6,852 to a whopping 14,125). Only a few hundred of these are inhabited. Traversing through these islands is made easy thanks to bullet trains. The Shinkansen trains run along 2300 km of track with trains going at a neck-breaking 320 km/h. There are trains every five minutes, so unlike the Indian railways, one doesn’t have to dash like a sprinter to catch their train at the station. The 7-hour car journey from Tokyo to Kyoto is reduced to a mere 2-hour ride in the Shinkansen.
While the Shinkansen is a wonder on its own, so is the hyper-efficient public transportation systems that navigate the urban spaces of Japan with precision. The immaculate metro systems ensure smooth life in urban areas. In Tokyo’s metropolis alone, there are 882 interconnected rail stations, one of which is the ‘busiest train station in the world’- Shinjuku station.
Advanced Architecture and Clutter-less Design
For a country that sits in a highly earthquake-prone region, the architectural advancement of Japan is indeed awe-inspiring. Skyscrapers pierce the clouds of Japanese cities, employing earthquake-resistant technologies and boasting eco-friendly features. Modern marvels like Tokyo Skytree and the Odaiba Marine Cube showcase Japan’s architectural prowess.
Japanese design philosophy celebrates minimalism and functionality. Sliding doors, tatami mats, open and uncluttered spaces with seamless connections between indoor and outdoor environments, the use of natural materials like wood and paper, and the influence of traditional philosophies like Zen and Wabi-Sabi are the features of traditional Japanese architecture. The elegance and simplicity of Japanese design have been well admired worldwide, and architects like Tadao Ando are renowned for incorporating it into today’s concrete structures.
Vending Machines
It is worth a separate heading because Japan’s extra special and distinct Vending machines surely deserve one! There are approximately 4.15 million vending machines in Japan, that is, one for every 30 people. You’ll find vending machines for everything- from beverages- cold and piping hot, to fruits and veggies, whole meals, ice cream, popcorn, toys, clothing, cosmetics, newspapers, electronics, umbrellas, flower bouquets, organic produce, and even live lobsters – the list goes on and on.
Most of these items are accessible to any passersby, but a few machines have become age-restricted in recent years, such as for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. Most of the restaurants let you order food from vending machines or digital menus. They also don’t have waiters/ waitresses, making the whole process less human-interactive and more self-service oriented.
Video Game Arcades and Eccentric Fashion
Akihabara district in Tokyo is well known for its ‘otaku’ culture. The term ‘otaku’ in Japanese refers to people with obsessive interests, particularly in the realm of anime, manga, video games, and other forms of pop culture. The place is well-known for its gaming streets, maid cafes, anime shops, and anime and manga-inspired sense of fashion. Video game arcades are extremely popular in Japan. Called ‘gesen’ meaning ‘game center’, these arcades can be tall buildings with almost 10 stories or single-story buildings with few machines. Many of the Japanese men are obsessed with and exceptionally skilled in video games. It makes sense since all the old video games we used to play were mostly made in Japan. (Eg: Nintendo)
This obsession is also reflected in the fashion. People can be found donning cosplay outfits inspired by anime or manga characters as well as more casual and trendy urban streetwear. It can be said that the fashion scene in Akihabara is diverse, and individuals express their creativity through unique and mostly unconventional clothing choices.
Super Toilets
Perhaps the most internet-famous of all the futuristic technology in Japan is their toilets, with people saying things like ‘Japanese toilets are so sci-fi you might forget why you sat down’. Why? Because Japanese toilets are renowned for their abundance of lights and features. They include features like heating the seat, pumping water to clean you up, playing music, and spotlessly cleaning the bidet. Some can even check your blood pressure, weight, urine, protein, or body fat.
The Culture and Education
Finally, but foremost of what makes Japan unique and futuristic, is its culture. As much as they are rooted in traditions, they are open to change and innovations. While in most other parts of the world machines and technology are regarded with inherent suspicion, in Japan they are more easily embraced, including service technology. That is why even including robots is seen as a warm complement to modern life, and not a cold dehumanization of it.
Along with this, there are many traits in the Japanese culture that encourage people to be socially responsible, disciplined, and polite. Many of these are impossible to even think of in Western countries and even in India- like kids taking public transit and going for a grocery run on their own, cleaning their school, etc. The cleanliness of the Japanese was noticed by the world during the FIFA World Cup 2022 when Japanese fans stayed back after matches and cleaned their part of the stadium galleries. This comes from their tradition of ‘Osouji’, which means ‘cleaning/ tidying up’.
The educational system too has transformed to meet the demands of the 21st century. Emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education has produced a generation of innovators and problem solvers. They also don’t shy away from incorporating creative teaching methods, like playing music during math class, etc.
Their culture of resilience and ability to rise like a phoenix from frequent natural disasters is discussed in one of my other articles. Even the vending machine scenario reflects the unique aspects of Japanese culture. For example, vending machine operators are confident in placing (and diligently maintaining) machines in literally any place, from dark alleys to remote agricultural areas, knowing they won’t be vandalized or broken, since the rates of crime are very low.
Additionally, Japan has the world’s highest life expectancy. Several aspects of their culture ensure that the people stay healthy and live a long life. How Japan has adapted to this aging population is also an example. The country has been investing in senior care and fostering a culture that respects and values elders.
Lastly, while the world has been recently focusing on sustainability, it has been of high priority in Japan for many years.
Conclusion
The list of interesting, futuristic things in Japan might never end. There are many more things like hotel pods, automated car parking (like a vending machine for cars!), and many other little things that intrigue the visitors to the nation.
While it is true that Japan undoubtedly serves as a fascinating glimpse into what the future could hold, it is yet another nation with its challenges and complexities; like The Lost Generation, for example. The work culture in Japan is said to be hectic and toxic, where discipline and loyalty to one’s company come first. While these aspects contribute to a hardworking and productive workforce, recently there’s been a growing awareness of the need for work-life balance and initiatives to address issues such as excessive overtime, known as ‘karoshi.’
That being said, Japan’s dedication to technology, design, and cultural progress offers valuable lessons for the rest of the world as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the future. So, while you might not find flying cars or teleportation booths just yet, Japan’s futuristic spirit is undeniable, making it a country worth studying and learning from as we inch closer to the promised land of 2050.
References:
-. (2021, 19 01). The Magic of Vending Machines. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from Japan House Los Angeles: https://www.japanhousela.com/articles/the-magic-of-vending-machines/
Ameri, K. A. (2024, January 17). Arab Goes To School In Japan. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0XLzVTLYAc&ab_channel=KhalidAlAmeri
Binsky, D. (2017, December 25). 10 Ways How Japan is Living in the Future. Retrieved January 18, 2024, from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzIBbF-8lAU&ab_channel=DrewBinsky
Dom, E. B. (2022, June 22). The Dark Side of Japan: The Lost Generation. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgGvUNiykyU&ab_channel=ExplainedwithDom
McFadden, C. (2018, September 29). 23 Reasons Why Japan Is Already Living In the Future. Retrieved January 19, 2024, from Interesting Engineering: https://interestingengineering.com/lists/23-reasons-why-japan-is-already-living-in-the-future
Images:
- Robots in reception at Henn Na hotel in Tokyo_© www.tokyocheapo.com
- islands of Japan_© Blue Japan
- Shinjuku train station- the world’s busiest_© travel.gaijinpot.com/
- Tokyo Skytree, an engineering marvel with Mt.Fuji in the background_© www.gotokyo.org
- A traditional Japanese space- Itamochi Tea House in Kyushu Island_© Samsam-spaces.com
- vending machines in Japan_© Japan-guide.com
- vending machines selling 10kg bags of various kinds of rice_© Japan-guide.com
- Arcades in Akihabara_© www.japantour.xyz
- Eclectic fashion on the streets of Akihabara_© tokyofashion
- Controls on the bidet of a Japanese toilet_© anaexperienceclass.com
- Students clean their own schools in Japan_© https://mlmlovevs.live
