A sense of crisis and technological innovation appear to be interconnected.
Israel, which is producing various cutting-edge technologies, including security technologies, is constantly exposed to the threat of war and conflict, and is currently engaged in an intensifying struggle with Iran. The situation is precarious and irreversible. The Middle East is highly likely to remain an epicenter of turmoil. A restructuring of the Middle East and a return to stability seems a long way off, and unlikely for some time.

Furthermore, Taiwan, now a semiconductor powerhouse, is also refining its security technology. According to experts, Taiwan’s security has improved to a level comparable to Israel’s. As is well known, Taiwan is also constantly exposed to threats from China. Focusing on the development of cutting-edge technologies can be seen as a strategy to avoid turning its country into a battlefield and to protect its citizens from being caught in the crossfire. China, which desires cutting-edge technology, cannot afford to harm Taiwan with missiles. Similarly, Japan and the United States, which do not want to hand over cutting-edge technology to China, must protect Taiwan at all costs. A sense of crisis is shaping Taiwan’s strategy, and as a result, driving technological innovation.

Looking at recent CES events, South Korea’s technological innovation is thriving. This is likely due to its heightened sense of crisis stemming from its tense relationship with North Korea.
In this way, unstable situations surrounding a country create a sense of crisis, which in turn spurs technological innovation.
What about Japan? While it’s not as complacent as it once was, it can’t be said to have a high level of crisis awareness either. Compared to Israel, Taiwan, and South Korea, it’s remarkably laid-back. Perhaps there’s a sense of security in its strong Japan-U.S. relationship. As a result, technological innovations originating from Japan that can make their mark on the world have visibly decreased.
Of course, maintaining a stable and healthy society is wonderful, and deliberately creating crises is not good, but realistically, the environment surrounding Japan is by no means secure. (Kei Kitajima)

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