Japanese Inventions That Changed the World

“Made in Japan” products are well-known for their high quality and usability. The world surely considers Japan to be a nation of great inventors. Certain technologies that originate in Japan have changed the way we live daily. Specific pop culture and consumerism influences have made their way across the sea. Here are just a few of the amazing Japanese inventions that changed the world.

Let’s Sing: The Culture of Karaoke

Karaoke, which comes from the Japanese words “kara” meaning empty, and “oke, meaning orchestra, is a sweet serendipity. While many people know how this singing system began in Japan, not everyone is aware of its initial inception. A Japanese musician came up with the first machine in the early 70s. Since then, karaoke has spread far and wide and is popular in South Korea, China, the US, as well as throughout Europe.

What is most intriguing about karaoke is the diverse ways each country enjoys the activity. In Asian countries, karaoke rooms are a standard part of life, where a small group of people goes to sing privately. In the US, karaoke is usually done in front of larger groups at bars or parties. Karaoke also counts in the contemporary age of YouTube where people post videos of cover songs with a backtrack.

Modern Tech: Emojis and the Camera Phone

Out of all the incredible Japanese inventions that changed the world, technological inventions top the list. Our modern smartphone wouldn’t be what it currently is without innovations of the past. The ideas of emojis, selfies, and videos originally come from Japan. Emojis began before the millennium in Japan, as pictograms that depict expressions that cannot be easily put into words. Over the next decade, Japanese emojis spread until they became what we know and love them as today: a subtle non-verbal language that conveys emotions over text and email. Next thing you know we also have MEME and GIF.

We can’t forget about the most important invention: the camera phone. This technology wasn’t invented overnight, but rather over a culmination of inventions that date back to the 50s. Small-sized video cameras were clever innovations of Japan, and with such tech that adapted gradually, the first hand-held phone with camera abilities was produced.

Ramen and Wagyu: Two Sides of a Coin

When the majority of people think of Japanese food, they may first think of sushi. However, other staple food items in modern diets originate from Japanese culture. Instant ramen is consumed worldwide as a quick and tasty snack before meals but is rather popular in America as a choice for poor college kids. While students’ obsession with instant ramen may be a bit cliché, its reputation as an affordable and delectable food item holds fast.

We can’t forget about gourmet wagyu beef, as the history of Japanese wagyu beef is quite an interesting story to behold. Wagyu cattle are a national treasure of Japan as animals that played a significant role in agriculture. Raised and bred with care and by employing holistic manners, these cattle produce the most exquisite and prized beef on the market. While it’s priced high because of its value, one taste of this delicacy will make a person understand its superiority. Truly, the Japanese have invented some of the most valuable and exceptional items in today’s society.

FAQ

Where did karaoke come from?

Karaoke, which comes from the Japanese words “kara” meaning empty, and “oke, meaning orchestra, is a sweet serendipity. While many people know how this singing system began in Japan, not everyone is aware of its initial inception. A Japanese musician came up with the first machine in the early 70s. Since then, karaoke has spread far and wide and is popular in South Korea, China, the US, as well as throughout Europe.

Who invented the selfie?

Out of all the incredible Japanese inventions that changed the world, technological inventions top the list. Our modern smartphone wouldn’t be what it currently is without innovations of the past. The ideas of emojis, selfies, and videos originally come from Japan. Emojis began before the millennium in Japan, as pictograms that depict expressions that cannot be easily put into words. Over the next decade, Japanese emojis spread until they became what we know and love them as today: a subtle non-verbal language that conveys emotions over text and email. Next thing you know we also have MEME and GIF.

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