[newuser88273]

Japan is betting that automation means they don't need gazillions of workers to feed their old.

If they're right, they'd win so big compared to "us" that in fact the biggest obstacle they're facing might be that "we" won't allow them to win the bet.

[cyorir]

However, if their bet fails and automation alone can't make up for the shortfall in the labor force, they stand to lose more compared to other countries like the US and those in Europe that do a better job of integrating immigrants into society and the workforce.

[vadman]

Research/creative work is difficult to automate, and it seems that only a smallish percentage of population excels at it. Small population -> falling behind in those areas, unless the Japanese somehow revolutionize their education system.

[baldfat]

It explains their obsession with Robots.