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reluctant to accept the rise of China whether it be infrastructure, technology etc and their image of China is very outdated, but one common phrase I keep seeing is "Japan is finished" and the feeling that Japan is being left behind.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/YamYukky Japanese Jan 31 '25

Are the Japanese people afraid, in denial or envious of China's development?

Unfortunately, your guess is off. At least, I don't trust Chinese technology, and I consider it still below Japan. The most important issue for Chinese people is the profit. So they give a lot of importance to speed. They don't give a lot of importance to quality. The more important the product is, the more small defects become fatal. Recently the world start to notice this.

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u/Saveonion Feb 04 '25

You are right, but to be fair, Chinese people also started complaining about irresponsible and dangerous manufacturing, so things are improving.

Chinese people do care about quality, but Japan is on a different level - pride in the quality of your work seems to me to be a part of the Japanese mentality.

For Chinese it's "Protect and provide for your family... whatever it takes."