alt Hacker NewsThe phrase “Japan has been living in the future since the future since the 80s” comes to mind. For a country so deeply rooted in the technological revolution of the last 50 years, it certainly doesn’t feel like it when your there. It’s a weird mix of culture, history, and a deeply capable people hamstrung by economic forces.
I think a lot of things stick around because they have a good bespoke manufactoring industry and maintenance practices. Old infrastructure and automations that were built during the bubble era still work and you can still get parts made for them.