起死回生(Resuscitation): Japan\u27s Search for Machines and their Meanings

Japan’s lost decade(s) ushered in a new era of economic and societal malaise, marked by a shrinking population, an increased proportion of elderly people, inequality, neo-nationalism(s), uncertainty, and isolation. This project seeks to understand how Japan is trying to address these issues and reconstruct itself from the lost decade(s) with the use of artificial intelligence (jinkou chihou) and robotics along with the societal implications of this technology. This interdisciplinary research utilizes innovative, historical narratives (Morris-Suzuki,1988, Hornyak 2006), and the socio-cultural milieu of Japan and its traditions (Allison 2013; Katsuno 2010) to further appreciate and acknowledge Japanese perspectives and thought on AI and robotics and their uses. Furthermore, investigating government-issued publications (Innovation 25; New Robot Strategy; Japan Revitalization Strategy), and contemporary literature by AI field experts (Harari 2017; Bostrom 2017; Frase 2016), this paper argues that Japan’s futurist visions do not take into account the problematic ramifications of AI. In so doing, this paper critically reimagines a best response and re-envisioning of an unfolding and possible future. Research findings may also hold significance in other cultural and national contexts, particularly in nations with shrinking and aging populations, class stratification, and ethnic and techno-nationalism(s)

JTEC/WTEC annual report and program summary: 1993/94

The JTEC/WTEC (Japanese Technology Evaluation Center/World Technology Evaluation Center) Program at Loyola College is overviewed. A review of activities for 1993 and early 1994 is discussed along with plans for the following year. The bulk of the report consists of the summaries of completed projects in Information and Communication Technology; Materials; Manufacturing and Construction; Aeronautics, Space, and Ocean Technology; Energy; and Biotechnology

Can the 4th Industrial Revolution be a Solution to the Challenges of Social Aging?

This paper explores whether the fourth industrial revolution - robotization automation digitalization and the Internet of Things - may mitigate the social economic and labor impacts of an aging society The increasing role of advanced technologies in economic and social life has fueled concerns about the risks of such technologies to human labor social relations and human dignity These risks seem particularly tangible in advanced societies which face a shortage of skilled labor and increasing demand for social and care services By reviewing a variety of business practices in several developed economies this research seeks to build a case in favor of the use of advanced technologies in aging societies Taking into account the scale of population aging and the limited effectiveness of social and fiscal reforms in favor of a demographic change the fourth industrial revolution appears to be a useful tool to tackle social aging Without dismissing the ethical social and other concerns related to the use of advanced technologies the research shows a wide range of successful solutions and symbiotic collaboration between humans and advanced technologies in socially aging context

Paper Session I - Space Technology Requirements and Interdependency for National Competitiveness

Space technology requirements have been identified primarily by NASA and the Department of Defense. In addition, independent studies conducted by academic, research, and industry institutions have also developed technology requirements needed for the national space program. Another source of technology identification and prioritization for both space and national competitiveness is the March 1991 report issued by the National Critical Technologies Panel. In this paper, a review of the various requirements generated by the sources mentioned earlier will be presented. One critical objective of this review is to identify common technology requirements. Areas of technology discussed will include automation and robotics; materials; information acquisition, processing and display; communications; human support; life sciences; energy generation and storage; superconductivity; propulsion; and nano-technology. The present space technology interdependency programs, aiming at cost-effective development, will then be discussed. The paper will emphasize technologies needed for fast, cost-effective operations with high safety and reliability. Technologies needed for the conduct of scientific research associated with space exploration and utilization will also be included. The key contribution of this paper is the exposition of the advantages of the space technology interdependency for the benefit of competitiveness abroad. Interdependency applies to development of critical technologies in a cooperative manner using resources available at government agencies, academic institutions, and industries. The paper will conclude with a proposed vision and a set of recommendations for the implementation of the space technology interdependency infrastructures

Benchmarks of programming languages for special purposes in the space station

Although Ada is likely to be chosen as the principal programming language for the Space Station, certain needs, such as expert systems and robotics, may be better developed in special languages. The languages, LISP and Prolog, are studied and some benchmarks derived. The mathematical foundations for these languages are reviewed. Likely areas of the space station are sought out where automation and robotics might be applicable. Benchmarks are designed which are functional, mathematical, relational, and expert in nature. The coding will depend on the particular versions of the languages which become available for testing

On the advancement of science and technology among nations: the importance of government policies upon the development of advanced technology industries in five countries

The aims of this study were to compare the importance of government policies upon the development of advanced technology industries in five countries: France, West Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Japan. Three advanced technology industries were selected: microelectronics, machine tools and advanced materials. Data were collected from governments in the five countries, academia, independent research organizations, trade associations, industry and international organizations. The data were analyzed using statistical procedures and the results were related to classical and the "new" theories of comparative advantage determinants for the five countries. Critical analysis was also undertaken of the theories that postulate the role of government policies for industrial growth in the light of the rapid geographic diffusion of advanced technology sectors across national boundaries. As a result of these analyses the role of government policies upon the development of advanced technology industries was identified in the five countries. Analyses were undertaken to determine government policies that were successful and those that were not and the reasons for the success or failure of these policies in the light of economic, social, political and geographic factors

Innovative Tokyo

This paper compares and contrasts Tokyo's innovation structure with the industrial districts model and the international hub model in the literature on urban and regional development. The Tokyo model embraces and yet transcends both industrial districts and international hub models. The paper details key elements making up the Tokyo model-organizational knowledge creation, integral and co-location systems of corporate R&D and new product development, test markets, industrial districts and clusters, participative consumer culture, continuous learning from abroad, local government policies, the national system of innovation, and the historical genesis of Tokyo in Japan's political economy. The paper finds that the Tokyo model of innovation will continue to evolve with the changing external environment, but fundamentally retains its main characteristics. The lessons from the Tokyo model is that openness, a diversified industrial base, the continuing development of new industries, and an emphasis on innovation, all contribute to the dynamism of a major metropolitan region.Labor Policies,Environmental Economics&Policies,Public Health Promotion,ICT Policy and Strategies,Agricultural Knowledge&Information Systems,ICT Policy and Strategies,Environmental Economics&Policies,Health Monitoring&Evaluation,Agricultural Knowledge&Information Systems,Innovation

Unmasking Mecha Identities; Visual Media Perspectives on Posthumanism in Japanese Popular Culture

Current Japanese animation has shifted to present posthumanism as a formative tool towards the establishment of personal identity, rather than simply a utopian dream, or a nightmare of fear, which is in contrast with prior works of Japanese visual and print science fiction from the 1930\u27s to 1990\u27s, which depicted posthumanity as, at the least, ambiguous or even destructive towards human identity; this shift can be seen beginning with Japan\u27s earliest science fiction works and is suggestive of a gradual acceptance and integration of the mechanical into the self. Analysis of posthumanity in popular media in other parts of the word, namely the United States, shows posthumanism from a polarizing perspective of either, uncertainty and fear, or idealist fantasy, which suggest that America has yet to establish the same level of conceptual paradigm which has been achieved by the Japanese in the 21st century. From this analysis, it would seem as though the general trend of acceptance and affinity for posthumanity could be represented by an ascending linearity, the general trend is that humanity, especially Japan, is moving closer and closer to robots and identification with them as identity forming tools. This trend suggests a paradigm shift where ideological and cultural constructs are helping to move humans and machines closer together. As opposed to most of the work that has been done in the study of animé, this thesis is an attempt to analyze new animé narratives which have had very little exposure in terms of academic study. It is not simply about putting robots, machines, or mecha on a pedestal, but is rather meant to decode the shifting portrayal of robots within popular culture and then try to understand how these shifts differ across borders, from the United States to Japan

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS IN REGIONAL REVITALISATION; INSIGHTS FROM JAPANESE PRACTICES

This study examines the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and advanced technology practices and their coexistence with conventional systems and initiatives that have been operating in different regions of Japan to address some of the socio-economic challenges. The methodological approach of the study includes three facets, namely government initiatives, technology involvement and local society actors. The study examines government visions and initiatives that emphasize the use of advanced technology as a key factor and tool to enable solutions and realize the target vision. The ageing population and economic stagnation are common challenges in different regions of Japan. The adaptation of technology and the integration of technological advances across sectors with an impact on productivity have been explored in the Vision Action Plans. With an ageing farming community, smart agriculture is one of the developments highlighted, as is the use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics, and autonomous systems in the image of the \u27smart city\u27 plan of a case study local government of Nago-city, in the southern prefecture of Okinawa. The study notes that Society 5.0 is seen as a blueprint for harnessing the potential of technological advances to address social and economic issues and build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient society that balances economic growth with societal well-being and regional revitalizatio

Volume 2013 - Issue 2 - Spring, 2013

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