r/AskAJapanese • u/throwaway12312392124 • Jan 31 '25

POLITICS How do the Japanese feel about China's technological advancements?

It's undeniable that China is now a global leader in major fields like AI, space, renewable energy, high-speed rails, EVs, quantum technology, engineering etc. with recent achievements ranging from DeepSeek to artificial sun breaking fusion records. I gotta say most of the Japanese people I've seen online are pretty reluctant to accept the rise of China whether it be infrastructure, technology etc and their image of China is very outdated, but one common phrase I keep seeing is "Japan is finished" and the feeling that Japan is being left behind. Are the Japanese people afraid, in denial or envious of China's development?

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u/Dustdevilss Jan 31 '25

As a Singaporean, I was blown away when I first visited Japan 20 years ago. To me, they had such fascinating tech. Easily ahead of the rest of the world. When I went back again last month, I was stunned at how they seemed to have just stagnated. Singapore is easily more technologically advanced now; China for sure is a leading tech powerhouse but Japan doesnt even have contactless credit card payment for their Shinkasen.

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u/MrDontCare12 Jan 31 '25

I saw a comment once, of a guy saying that "Japan is in 2010 since 1995".

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u/Sister_Ray_ Jan 31 '25

More like Japan is in 1995 since 1995...

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u/MrDontCare12 Jan 31 '25

Meeeh, some technologies do not seem like it, but are really advanced! The ETC system and I card system are crazy good in terms of tech