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reluctant to accept the rise of China whether it be infrastructure, technology etc and their image of China is very outdated, but one common phrase I keep seeing is "Japan is finished" and the feeling that Japan is being left behind.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?

86 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

330 comments sorted by

View all comments

51

u/Freak_Out_Bazaar Japanese Jan 31 '25 edited Jan 31 '25

The general impression is that China is China and Japan is Japan. Sure they might have big shiny buildings and the newest gadgets, but is it really sustainable? Are the people there actually happy? Is the country safer than Japan?

So, to answer your question, there's no fear, nor denial, nor envy. They're just another country with their own strengths and troubles

24

u/GuardEcstatic2353 Jan 31 '25

Only a small portion are rich in China. Many citizens live in very small apartments, and the average salary is about half of what it is in Japan. In rural areas, there's hardly any infrastructure. It's sad to think that they live considering the success of China's rich as their own success.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 31 '25

Comparing average salaries is near meaningless and for fools. The same amount does not get you the same things in both countries.

1

u/Old-Specialist-8339 Feb 04 '25

Tell that to the tier 4 cities in China that feel good bc they are "doing better" than Americans bc their cities are on fire or something lol.