Recent Trends in Japanese Society and Lessons from History

The Dawn of the Individual Era

In recent years, Japan has seen a rise in crimes that were once unthinkable, such as young people committing murder and robbery through “dark part-time jobs” arranged via social media. Even elderly groups are engaging in robbery, as seen in recent news. While social media often gets blamed, the root cause likely lies in the growing poverty and widening economic gap.

Historical Patterns of Collapse

Looking at history, we see that great empires like the Roman, Ottoman, and Spanish empires also collapsed due to economic inequality and internal corruption. When wealth concentrates in the hands of a few and inequality persists, society as a whole starts to break down. This is a lesson we cannot ignore in modern times.

The Necessary Shifts for the Future

In the coming era, the significance of the individual will become increasingly important, surpassing reliance on the state or corporations. Decentralized technologies like blockchain and Web3 will enable people to connect and share information freely, without relying on centralized authorities. Additionally, as technologies such as AI and virtual reality continue to evolve, we can expect entirely new forms of society to emerge.

Moreover, there is a growing trend toward valuing spiritual growth and inner development, rather than just material success. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and healing are likely to gain broader support.

What We Should Do Moving Forward

To navigate the future, we must focus on independence and adaptability as individuals. Using social media to share our ideas and getting involved with emerging technologies like Web3 and AI will help us develop the skills needed for this new era.

Though we may face societal distortions and increasing anxiety during this period of transition, I believe those who adapt to the new era will have the opportunity to thrive and grow significantly.