Unit 4: The Impact of Innovation on Japanese Society

Technology (科学技術)

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

Smartphone (スマホ)

A mobile phone that can perform many functions of a computer, short for 'Sumātofon'.

App (アプリ)

Application software designed to perform specific tasks on smartphones.

Social Media (SNS)

Platforms such as Instagram, LINE, and Twitter used for social interaction.

Cashless (キャッシュレス)

A transaction system that does not involve cash, utilizing IC cards or mobile apps.

Daily Life (生活)

The routine aspects of living and how technology influences it.

Manner Mode (マナーモード)

A setting on mobile phones used to silence notifications in public areas.

Disrespect (失礼 - shitsurei)

Behavior considered rude or offensive, especially in social contexts.

Nuisance (迷惑 - meiwaku)

Something that causes inconvenience or annoyance.

Care Robots (介護ロボット)

Robots designed to assist in the care of the elderly or disabled.

Aging Society (高齢化社会 - kōreika shakai)

A demographic trend where the proportion of older individuals increases.

Labor Shortage (人手不足 - hitode busoku)

A situation where there are not enough workers to fulfill job requirements.

Shinkansen (新幹線)

The Japanese bullet train known for its speed and punctuality.

Maglev Train (リニアモーターカー)

A next-generation train that uses magnetic levitation to move.

High-Tech Toilet (ウォシュレット)

A sophisticated toilet that includes various comfort and hygiene features.

Cleanliness (清潔さ)

The state of being free from dirt or impurities, highly valued in Japanese culture.

Hospitality (おもてなし - omotenashi)

The Japanese concept of selfless hospitality and service.

Connectivity (接続性)

The state of being connected, particularly through technological means.

Isolation (孤立 - koritsu)

The condition of being separated from others, exacerbated by technology.

Smartphone Addiction (スマホ依存 - sumaho izon)

Compulsive need to use smartphones, leading to negative consequences.

Artificial Intelligence (人工知能 - jinkō chinō)

Computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Causative-Passive (使役受動)

A grammatical structure in which someone is made to perform an action.

Comparison Table (対比表)

A chart used to illustrate similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

Transitive Verb (他動詞)

A verb that requires one or more objects to complete its meaning.

Intransitive Verb (自動詞)

A verb that does not require an object to complete its meaning.

Cultural Comparison (文化比較)

Examining and contrasting different cultures to highlight unique perspectives.