Impacts of Information Technology on Japanese Industrial Culture

Abstract

Microelectronics Technology which is the basis of computerisation or automation of factory (FA), office (OA), store (SA) and home (HA) are having some impacts on our traditional cultures. We define technology and culture (and their roles) as below: Technology = ‘intellectual factor of method’ or ‘a set of knowledge about the methods of achieving given goals’ its role = ‘promotion of our material abilities (for production, communication, medical care, military affairs, etc.) to fulfil our desires’ Culture = ‘a set of social values and senses’ or ‘the pattern of behaviour which is based upon a set of social values and senses’ its role = formation of a social order without violence and war’ or ‘control of mankind’s material ability i.e. social decision of technology goals’. So, technology is the engine and culture is the brake and handle to our life. But culture itself will be deeply influenced by the contemporary technological innovation. And, as a result, the gap between technology and culture will spread further. Especially this is likely in Oriental (including Japanese) culture because of the Western-originated methodology of modem science and technology. The purpose of this paper is to consider the cause of this spreading gap and its effects on Japanese culture focusing on the effect of information technology.