I travelled to Japan with a friend last year and after seeing robots and conveyor belts in restaurants, he felt like it lacked a human touch.

The reason for this automation is simple though: the declining population.

Today, we're diving into a hot topic that's got everyone from Tokyo to Paris scratching their heads: the labor shortage crisis.

But while many Western countries are struggling to fill positions, Japan is taking a decidedly more... robotic approach.

Let's break it down and see how Japan is leaving the West in its automated dust!

Why Japan has so many robots?

While nowadays, the declining population makes automation an absolute necessity for Japan, it’s not the only factor.

Japan's prominence in robotics can also be attributed to cultural and economic factors that have fostered a unique environment for the development and integration of robotic technologies.

• There’s a wide social acceptance of robots. They’re often depicted positively in media such as manga and anime.

• There’s a culture of efficiency. Things like punctuality, continuous improvement, or resource optimization are second nature to them.

• People in Japan are usually more shy than elsewhere, making it more attractive to them if there are fewer human interactions.

• Japan's economy has historically relied on its manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry, which has been a significant driver for robotics adoption.

Robots in bars, cafés & restaurants

Robot waiters

One thing that makes robots special in Japan is their variety. You have very basic robots that only deliver the meals, but there are many more.

• Robots that engage in interactive experiences with customers

• Robots operated remotely by disabled people

• “Cat” robots

• And probably more

Robot bartenders

You can also find a few bars where the bartender is a robot.

Kaiten sushi (conveyer belt)

The concept of kaiten sushi originated in Osaka in 1958, when a restaurant owner, Yoshiaki Shiraishi, implemented a conveyor belt to streamline service and reduce labor costs.

So automation isn’t new. And it didn’t wait for labor shortages.

Self-ordering machines

It’s rapidly growing in fast food restaurants in the West but Japan has had them for much longer and way more rudimentary (it’s modernizing though).

Tablets

In Japan, many restaurants use tablets for ordering food, which can significantly enhance the dining experience, especially for non-Japanese speakers.

Multiple languages are available and there is still the ability to call someone for special requests.

Robots in the street

Vending machines

Yes other countries have plenty of other vending machines, but it’s a far cry compared to Japan.

There is approximately one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan. Japan has over 5 million vending machines, more than the entire population of Belgium. Annual vending machine sales in Japan total over $60 billion.

Plus, beyond drinks and snacks, Japanese machines sell items like fresh fruit, flowers, hot meals, underwear, and even live insects

Why there are more vending machines?

For the same reasons there are more robots. But also because of the extremely low crime rate meaning outdoor machines are rarely vandalized or robbed.

Automated parking

Japan had to make vertical parking early because land is so rare, and therefore absurdly expensive, it makes economical sense to make automated vertical parking.

Robots in hotels

While it’s still pretty rare, some hotels have started to robotize.

It’s the case for one hotel chain that is specializing in it: Henn na Hotel (meaning strange hotel).

Nowadays, there are more than 20 Henna na hotels in Japan, South Korea, and even one in New York City.

And there’s a lot of robots and automation in these hotels:

• Robots for check-in

• Doors open with facial recognition

• A robotic arm helps you store your luggage

• Every room has a personal robot to control the lights and check the weather

• Robots are serving you food

Robots for elderly care

A growing trend in Japan is robots taking care of elders. An aging and declining population means there are more old people and less working people. Apart from robotics, there’s no real solution to the problems.

And here too, robots are performing quite the number of tasks:

• Physical assistance: Robots help with lifting and mobility support for seniors.

• Social and emotional support: Robots provide companionship, lead exercise classes, and engage seniors in conversation.

• Cognitive support: Some robots aim to prevent cognitive decline through social interaction and mental stimulation.

• Monitoring: Certain robots can detect falls and monitor physical activity of elderly residents.

The big picture: robots vs immigration

While many Western countries are debating immigration policies to address labor shortages, Japan is doubling down on its robotic workforce.

It's a fascinating contrast in problem-solving approaches.

The Western approach: Rely on immigration to fill labor gaps, particularly in service industries.

Japan's approach: Innovate and automate to reduce the need for human workers in many sectors.

Each approach has its pros and cons, of course.

The Western model maintains a more "human" touch but can be politically contentious.

Japan's robotic revolution is efficient but raises questions about job displacement and social interaction.