4.4 Personal and Public Identities

Unit 4 focuses on the impact of science and technology on the lives of individuals within Japanese-speaking communities. 

Section 4.4 of the unit delves into complex and thought-provoking topics such as Japanese cultural Nationalism, Patriotism, Global Identity and Responsibility, and Personal and Public Identities. 

The impact of 科学技術(かがくぎじゅつ:science and technology) on the lives of individuals within Japanese-speaking communities has been significant, particularly regarding 日本の文化的ナショナリズム(にほんのぶんかてき: Japanese cultural nationalism), 愛国心(あいこくしん: patriotism), グローバルなアイデンティティ(global identity) and 責任(せきにん: responsibility), and 個人的アイデンティティ(こじんてき: personal) and 公的アイデンティティ(こうてき: public) identities.

Nationalism&Patriotism:ナショナリズム

Japanese cultural nationalism:日本の文化的ナショナリズム

科学技術 have played an essential role in the preservation and promotion of 日本の文化的ナショナリズム. For instance, advanced technologies, such as バーチャルリアリティ(Virtual reality: VR), have enabled people to experience and explore their 文化遺産(ぶんかいさん:cultural heritage), including 言語(げんご:language), 伝統(でんとう:traditions), and 習慣(しゅうかん:customs). 

バーチャルリアリティ(VR) and **拡張現実(**かくちょうげんじつ:augmented reality AR) technologies have been used to create immersive experiences that allow people to explore Japanese cultural heritage in new and exciting ways. For example, in August 2021, the virtual version of the Japanese government's project 日本博(にほんはく: the Japan Expo)was launched. 日本博　started with the aim of promoting and transmitting 日本文化 to both 国内(こくない: domestic) and 海外(かいがい: international) audiences triggered by the 東京2020年オリンピックパラリンピック(とうきょう:Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games). 

Due to コロナ禍(コロナか:the COVID-19 pandemic), 日本博 was postponed or canceled and has been transformed into バーチャル日本博(Virtual Japan Expo) project. The project aims to systematically disseminate 日本文化throughout the year through programs and collaborations among national and local government agencies, cultural facilities, private organizations, and other stakeholders. The project aims to merge "real experiences" at the actual venue with "virtual experiences" in a virtual space set up online and disseminate them to国内 and 海外 audiences. バーチャル日本博 expresses various aspects of 日本の美(にほんのび:Japanese beauty) from 縄文(じょうもん:Jomon) to 現代 (げんだい:modern) times as digital content using videos, VR, images, and other tools, under the broad theme of 日本人と自然(にほんじんとしぜん:Japanese people and nature) and is a new cultural and artistic initiative.

Patriotism:愛国心

Japan is a country that has a long history of valuing 教育(きょういく:education),革新(かくしん:innovation), and 技術進歩(ぎじゅつしんぽ:technological progress). From its early adoption of advancements in agriculture and manufacturing during 明治時代(めいじだい:the Meiji era ) to its current position as a leader in the fields of robotics, electronics, and renewable energy, Japan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to technological advancement. Japan has established itself as a leader in innovation and progress through its technological advancements in various fields. Japanese people take pride in their country's achievements and see Japan's technical prowess as a symbol of their country's strength and resilience.

自動車産業

One example of how Japan's technological advancements have contributed to a strong sense of 愛国心 is through its 自動車産業(じどうしゃさんぎょう:automobile industry). Japanese 自動車メーカー(じどうしゃめーかー:car manufacturers) such asトヨタ (Toyota), ホンダ(Honda), and 日産(Nissan) are known for producing high-quality, reliable vehicles in high demand worldwide. The success of these companies has not only contributed to Japan's economic growth but has also instilled a sense of pride in the Japanese people, who see these cars as a symbol of their country's technological prowess.

新幹線

Another example is the development of Japan's bullet train system, the 新幹線(しんかんせん). 新幹線 is a symbol of Japan's advanced transportation technology and a source of national pride. The trains are known for their speed, efficiency, and safety, and they have helped to connect people and cities throughout the country. 新幹線's success has also helped promote Japan as a leader in high-speed rail technology, further boosting the country's reputation as a technological powerhouse.

宇宙開発

Japan has a long and proud history in the field of aerospace technology. 宇宙航空研究開発機構:JAXA (:Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is a major player in the industry and is involved in a variety of projects related to space development and satellite technology. One of the most significant achievements is Japan's contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), which includes the development of 実験棟(:the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) )"きぼう" (Kibo) and other advanced technology for space exploration.

Furthermore, Japan has launched several successful 人工衛星 (じんこうえいせい:satelltes) over the years, including はやぶさ(Hayabusa ) 探査機(:probe),which returned samples from an asteroid to Earth in 2010. Japan's space program is constantly advancing, and its innovative approach to space exploration is also highlighted by an ambitious project to launch the world's first 木造の人工衛星(もくぞうのじんこうえいせい:wooden satellite) into orbit. This groundbreaking initiative showcases Japan's commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness in the field of space technology. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Japan is inspiring innovation and progress in the global space community.

https://www.irasutoya.com/2020/11/blog-post_41.html

Japan's technological advancements undoubtedly instill great national pride in its citizens. However, it is worth noting that Japanese 愛国心 is a multifaceted and contentious issue, particularly given the country's history and relationships with neighboring nations. Japan's actions during World War II, which involved aggression toward other Asian countries and the use of forced labor, remains a source of tension and controversy in the region. Consequently, expressions of Japanese patriotism can sometimes be viewed as insensitive or even offensive to some of its neighboring countries. Overall, Japanese patriotism is a complex and nuanced concept that reflects the country's past, present, and future challenges and opportunities.In modern Japan, the mainstream thinking is that emphasizing patriotism too much can lead to exclusive thinking and prejudice, so a balanced approach to patriotism is required.

https://www.irasutoya.com/2015/06/blog-post_291.html

Global Identity and Responsibility

Global Identity

For many years, Japan has been acknowledged as a global frontrunner in technology, with renowned companies such as Sony, Toyota, and Toshiba being household names worldwide. This reputation has significantly shaped Japan's global identity, with technology being a key element.

The Japanese technology industry is known for its unique combination of diligence and cultural background, which has enabled it to establish a global reputation for producing high-quality and authentic products. In addition, Japanese companies are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering reliable, durable, and of the highest 品質(ひんしつ:quality).

One key aspect of Japanese culture that contributes to the country's success in the technology industry is the concept of 改善(かいぜん), which refers to the continuous improvement of processes and products. As a result, Japanese companies are always looking for ways to refine and improve their products and procedures and are unsatisfied with the status quo. This dedication to constant improvement has helped Japanese companies to stay ahead of the competition and to deliver innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. This emphasis on quality and craftsmanship is the bedrock of Japan's global identity in the technology industry.

Responsibility in Tech industry

Japan is a country that is widely known for its advanced technology and innovative products. However, with the rise of technology and its impact on society, there is a growing concern for 責任(せきにん:responsibility) that comes with it. In this context, Japanese companies have been taking various steps to ensure that they are being responsible with their technology. One example of this is the concept of ものづくり, a Japanese term that refers to making things with care and precision. This concept is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and is reflected in how Japanese companies approach technology. 

Japanese companies often prioritize 品質 and 信頼性(しんらいせい:reliability) over 速度(そくど:speed) and 利益(りえき:profit), which helps to ensure that their technology is 安全(あんぜん:safe) and 責任ある(せきにん:responsible). Another way that Japanese companies are taking responsibility for their technology is through their approach to プライバシー(privacy) and セキュリティー(security). Many Japanese companies have strict policies regarding protecting 個人情報(こじんじょうほう:personal data), and they work to ensure that their technology is secure and protected from サイバー攻撃(こうげき:cyberattacks).

Furthermore, Japanese companies are also taking responsibility for the 環境(かんきょう:environmental) impact of their technology. For example, many companies are implementing 持続可能な(じぞくかのうな:sustainable) practices in their manufacturing processes and working to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, many Japanese companies are developing 環境にやさしい製品(かんきょうにやさしいせいひん:environmentally friendly products), such as electric vehicles and 再生可能エネルギー技術**(**さいせいかのうエネルギーぎじゅつ:renewable energy technology).