It is a pretty common assumption that the Japanese build better technology. But when it comes to electronics nowadays much of the same tech is available here and there. But they tend to make more use of it in Japan than in the states. They use their cell phones to pay for mass transit and it even works at some stores too to pay for merchandise. They use the 2D barcode system for everything there, and every phone can easily take advantage.  Th 2D barcode has been available in the US for a little while but is nowhere near as ubiquitous as in Japan (McDonalds has them on their sandwich wrappers; if you are ever in Japan you have to try the Ebi-Filet-O!)  When it comes to phones they have such a wide array of options and colors, in America if you want more than one color for a phone you have to buy the subpar Motorola RAZR, other you can get something a little fancier and get it in black, black or black.

I just spent two weeks in Tokyo and was completely amazed at how far advanced they are in so many areas that are rather simple if you think about them. The Tokyo JR transit is lightyears ahead of what we have in New York. Granted somethings like transit are a combination of advanced technology and a good amount of respect from the commuters for others on the railways. This allows for trains that are 99% on time. Their trains have helpful monitors that tell you exactly when you will arrive at the upcoming stations, which side of the train the doors will open, and helpful info about which lines are having delays or issues.  And to top it off they give all information on the monitors and the speaker system in Japanese and English.

No discussion on Japanese Technology should be without a proper bow to the heated toliet seat.  First of all all bathroom technology in general is fantastic in Japan.  They have digital temperature gauges for water heaters that allow for more precise heating.  Having a shower at a set temp every day that was heated quickly and efficiently was very nice.  The apartment we rented even allowed you to turn the water heater off when it was not needed so that you weren’t wasting any resources, and it heated quite fast when turned back on.  Sure these technologies are available in America, but they aren’t common, they even have heated seat toilets and toilets with bidets in common restrooms, the airport, and it’s quite common in many homes.

Will America ever have cutting edge technology that makes life easier and more efficient?  I certainly hope so.