In the last few years, I often hear the word “lap behind”. It is used to express the situation in which Japan is left behind the trends of the world. If there is a solid basis and such expressions are used, it will be more persuasive, but in recent years it has been unsuccessful. It’s a seasoned plum that will also be. In short, it is a buzzword. And it’s becoming a pretty dangerous buzzword. The other day, I received a call from an overseas venture company. Let it be C. Say on the other side of the phone. “Young people in C have a phone phobia and don’t want to answer the phone. That’s why companies are using AI to answer the phone. People still answer the phone in Japan. You are behind the times.”
As I listened to this, I felt a little uneasiness about whether the weak young people who could not even answer the phone would be able to take charge of the next era. I felt a sense of discomfort. Using AI from the standpoint of improving operational efficiency is all right, but wouldn’t it be preposterous if we handed over even the communication services that support human communication to AI?
Ever since this incident, I’ve been wary of the word “lapping behind”. I have come to think that I have to carefully examine whether it is really behind the lap. For example, it is said that digitalization in Japan is lagging behind, but what is lagging behind? Certainly, it is not utilized in a way that stands out. However, it does not appear that there is such a big difference compared to the developed countries of Europe and the United States. At least that’s how I feel when I live in Tokyo.
If you are seduced by the word “lap behind” and change everything, you will not be able to live as a Japanese. Change is necessary for Japan, which has a mountain of problems, but it is not a change to make up for the lag. It is a change to create a sustainable and livable society. Don’t forget the axis. (Kei Kitajima)