Japan: Innovations in society under the influence of COVID-19

Abstract

Japan's model of anti-COVID strategy, rated as the most "toothless" in the world, has been shown to be highly effective, and through the use of innovative infection control measures the Tokyo Olympics was also successful. After a brief assessment of the country's course of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the authors analyze the characteristics of innovations in Japan created under its influence and show that the pandemic, which itself is essentially an innovation, has inspired the Japanese to create original innovative products and solutions that are in demand in society. The world is well aware of Japan's achievements in the high-tech consumer electronics sector, in which, despite the increased competition, it strives to maintain its high position, using artificial intelligence as one of the main technologies. During pandemic, it has created not only applications for the medical industry, but also, as presented in the article, for humanoids already in use in the service industry. It is important for Japan to accelerate digitalization, an area in which it lags behind both because of traditional decision-making practices requiring approvals at every stage and the tradition of using hankoseals instead of personal signatures; and telework, which lies in the key to creating a sustainable society. Around the world, the contribution of start-ups in providing services and solutions unavailable to large corporations and governments has increased markedly, and Japan, a country that tends to rely more on familiar and verified action schemes, is no exception. Characterized by its rapid incorporation of the latest scientific and technological advances into everyday life, Japan has already offered a number of innovative solutions for safe living in the new reality created by the pandemic. The article considers the environment in which innovations are implemented gives examples of original startups: innovative protective masks, devices, and new ways to protect against the virus in the catering industry.