Reasons for Japan's lack of innovation

 Reasons for Japan's lack of innovation

Spiritual Insights into Why Innovation is Weak in Japan

From a spiritual perspective, several factors may explain why innovation in Japan appears to be weak.

Japan was once globally proud as a nation of craftsmanship, known for its excellence in creating things. Yet today, the phrase “Made in Japan” no longer carries the same prominence it once did.

This shift can be seen as reflecting the state of the human spirit, which historically fueled Japan’s craftsmanship. In other words, a decline in the inner creativity and heart of people may contribute to the weakening of innovation.

Until before World War II, Shinto values influenced Japanese culture, emphasizing the presence of spirit in nature and objects. These beliefs formed the foundation of Japan’s approach to craftsmanship.

After the war, however, the influence of Shinto values diminished, and there arose a trend in postwar education to de-emphasize inner values and impose external standards.

Despite this, remnants of spiritual awareness persisted. Many people still placed value on the state of the heart, as seen in student movements and ethical debates.

At the same time, extreme groups, such as radical factions of the Communist Party, carried out hijackings and violent acts, which created a socially turbulent environment and affected the perception of youth activism.

Nevertheless, my own childhood was a time when handmade radio-controlled cars, handcrafted plastic models, and morally conscious dramas and manga were popular—a period in which the inner spirit was still nurtured through creativity.

Later on, completed, mass-produced toys began to dominate, and the culture of creating things by hand started to decline.

It is therefore natural that children growing up in that era may become adults with weaker innovative abilities.

As I have often discussed on this blog, the growth of the soul is similar to the growth of knowledge—each insight or realization contributes to spiritual development.

When spiritual maturity (or reika) increases, one’s presence and influence in a meaningful, psychological sense also rise. The ability to fulfill others’ hearts and the creative power to contribute positively grow as well. With more insights into life, one’s perspective naturally broadens. This is not a complicated concept—it simply represents growing into emotional and spiritual adulthood.

Conversely, those with low spiritual maturity have weaker inner presence, prioritize satisfying their own desires over the well-being of others, and possess fewer insights, resulting in a narrower perspective. This is, in essence, emotional and spiritual immaturity.

Japan’s education system has traditionally valued only incremental knowledge, placing less emphasis on inner, heartfelt insights. Consequently, it is unsurprising that adults with low spiritual maturity are more common.

During my own childhood, we were proud of Japanese products, while foreign products were often viewed as second-tier. Today, resistance to overseas products has weakened, which may contribute to the present lack of innovation in Japan.

Spiritual growth—each insight from the heart—is a universal law of nature, and there is no alternative method.

Socially, Japan often emphasizes high scores on paper-based tests as a measure of personal value. Without a shift in this mindset, it will be difficult to expect significant innovation in the future.

Moreover, when low spiritual maturity is prevalent, social disadvantages are more likely to occur. Still, there is hope: within the Japanese people lies inherent creativity, which could serve as the foundation for future innovation.