We often imagine that Japan is living in the future, where everything is super-technological, and that we're light-years ahead of their current status. I went to see it for myself, more calmly, to analyze the current situation.
I spent three months, mostly between Tokyo and Osaka. I experienced moments like a digital nomad who needs a minimum of routine to work: going to the supermarket, buying everyday items like rice, meat, soap, etc., using the washing machine, using public transportation… In short, the typical routines of ordinary life, of someone who actually lives there. Of course, tourist mode quickly kicks in on the weekends, with that endless thirst for life as if there were no tomorrow.
Well, with this, I had the opportunity to observe details that, on a normal tourist trip, there wouldn't be time or point to notice. And then I discovered that there are more than ten types of nail clippers (!); that the shampoos that went viral on TikTok aren't even popular among Japanese people; that there's an eraser with several corners and different thicknesses on each end; that there's a clothes dryer inside the shower stall... and so on.
Analyzing the market in general, the answer to the question in the title is: noWhat best defines Japan is:
There's a lot of everything!
There's a huge variety of products, but they don't always differ much from what we're used to. There are global brands like Kellogg's cereal, Coca-Cola, Nivea moisturizer… and many other local brands as well. Many products are different, but only different, not necessarily more innovative.
Perhaps the most futuristic image is conjured by bullet trains. But there are equally fast and comfortable trains in other parts of the world. Except for the Master Blaster toilet, which cleans your toilet with different jet levels, angles, and temperatures, and even plays music... the rest are standard fare, but well-made, of better quality, with some more thoughtful details. And many variations on the same theme, like the ten types of nail clippers, the seven-story stationery store, and so on. After all, we're talking about a country that, despite being relatively small, is home to the most populous city in the world.
In contrast, tradition is very strong. Skyscrapers share space with temples in large cities. There are many products with centuries-old aesthetics. Because one style doesn't need to overshadow another, there's room for everyone.
Another point: what works well stays the same for decades. I had the opportunity to visit Japan 10 and 20 years ago, and many things they didn't change ANYTHINGThere are several old trains, especially in residential neighborhoods and smaller towns. TV shows seem to have stopped in the 1990s. Many establishments still accept cash only.
Therefore, Japan does have quite technological aspects, which coexist with ancient and traditional elements. Overall, this does not define it as a futuristic country, but rather as a country that has a lot of everything.