Japan, a country located in East Asia with about 124 million people, is known for being one of the most innovative countries in the world. Here are the top 10 things that prove Japan is living in 2025.
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Packaged Snacks:
In Japan, they strictly enforce that the food has to be approximately the same size as it is advertised on the wrapper.
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Gum wrappers:
Many gum containers come with small paper pads for the gum after chewed, if you cannot find a trash can. Although this might seem like a small change, it is almost impossible to find used gum in Japan. In New York City, without the gum covers, the amount of chewed gum is in the millions or even billions. One source states that 50 million pieces of gum are chewed every day in NYC, and a large majority of it ends up on the ground. Another source notes that a huge percentage of all discarded gum (80–90%) is not disposed of correctly.
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Rain chains:
Japanese rain chains, or kusari-doi, are considered better than traditional downspouts for their aesthetic appeal, relaxing sound, and functional benefits like preventing frozen pipes and reducing clogging. While they are not entirely clog-proof, they are easier to install and maintain and visually enhance outdoor spaces with the gentle sound of water.
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Mosquito patches
In Japanese stores, you can find mosquito patches. These patches are considered “better” by some users in terms of convenience and safety, as they are a simple, hands-free sticker format, and are popular for use on children’s clothing. These mosquito patches also avoid direct skin application of synthetic chemicals, so they are better to us for those seeking “natural” options.
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Robot Hotels:
At the Henn na Hotel in Ginza and Hamamatsucho, Tokyo, you can stay in a hotel that is completely controlled by robots. These robots can perform simple tasks, such as checking in and carrying your luggage.
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LG Stylers:
In every room at the Henn na Hotels, you can find an LG styler, which washes and de-wrinkles clothes using pure steam, without harsh chemicals. The LG styler can also gently dry delicate items and press the creases in pants. It also includes a moving hanger system that shakes clothes, a built-in pants press, and an aroma kit for adding scents.
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Self-Checkout Convenience Stores:
Many standard convenience stores (like Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven) have self-checkout machines. In some cases, customers can place all items into a designated area (like a smart shopping basket or a tray), and the system automatically scans all items at once using technologies like Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) or image recognition.
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Vending Machine Parking Lots:
In Japan, there are parking lots using a system with an automated barrier, controlled by a vending-style machine, securing each space. When a car enters, a sensor detects its presence, and a barrier rises to lock the car in place. To exit, the driver must go to a payment machine, enter their parking spot number, pay the parking fee, and then the barrier will then lower.
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Bullet Trains:
Japan is known for its high-speed bullet trains, which are known to transport you in significantly less time than regular trains. For example, a journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes just over two hours instead of over six hours for a standard train.
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Super Toilets:
Japan has public toilets, which are also known as “super toilets”. These toilets are high-tech smart toilets with advanced features like heated seats, automatic open/close lids, and integrated bidet functions.
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If you ever visit Japan, make sure to check out these 10 cool inventions that prove Japan is living in 2050.
Eugenie in NYC 