Photo/Illutration Artwork that Takashi Murakami showcased in a "Doraemon" exhibition in 2002 ((C)2002 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)

Sewashi, a character from the hugely popular Japanese manga and anime series “Doraemon,” is a distant descendant of Nobita, the co-protagonist along with Doraemon in the series.

Sewashi resides in the 22nd century, yet he doesn’t seem quite happy. Despite the myriad of convenient tools available for people in the future, just like contemporary humans, they at times put on a hollow smile and utter bitterly stinging words. Yet why?

One cannot find happiness in convenient tools alone. What brings happiness to Nobita is not the “Anywhere Door” or the “Take-copter” (Bamboo Copter), but his friendship with Doraemon. I have long believed this is the message the popular manga series gives us.

However, I’ve recently been haunted by one question about convenience. In an era where scientific advancements are making various products that resemble Doraemon’s tools a reality, the meaning of convenience has started to become convoluted.

Is carrying out all kinds of procedures via a smartphone really convenient? What is convenience, exactly, in the first place?

A new model of the iPhone, called the iPhone 15, has been released, apparently loaded with new features. Many people seem excited about the new shiny gadgets from Apple, but my feelings are far from thrilled.

Whether it’s smartphones, electric appliances or cars, we frequently find ourselves under pressure to upgrade our old ones. I often feel that what we have is already sufficient enough. 

Why is it so difficult to repair what we have and continue using it? I recalled a witty remark from Yasujiro Ozu, a film director of the Showa Era (1926-1989): “New means never having to become old, I guess.”

I savor the preciousness of today being the same as yesterday, along with the importance of change. Have we reached a point where we can no longer stand still? If asked this, what would Doraemon answer? What kind of tool would he offer to us?

--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 24

 

* * *

Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.