In Japan, we don't see robots as a threat: just a form of presence in the world
Takeshi Yoro, an 88-year-old Japanese anatomist and author, discusses his theory of human intransigence as a neurological condition rather than a moral failing. He argues that people fail to understand each other due to an 'invisible wall' of bias and self-assurance, a concept he explored in his best-selling book Baka no Kabe. Yoro also reflects on technology, AI, and Japan's cultural relationship with peace and robotics.
- ▪Takeshi Yoro spent 30 years performing autopsies before turning to writing and public science education.
- ▪His book Baka no Kabe sold four million copies and introduced the idea of an 'invisible wall' preventing human understanding.
- ▪An AI version of Yoro was created for the Osaka World Expo using data from his 200+ books.
- ▪Yoro believes Japan's pacifism stems from its geography and history, not just post-WWII reforms.
- ▪He argues that smartphones are not the problem, but rather the broader issue of societal systematization.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
INTERVIEWTakeshi Yoro, anatomist: ‘In Japan, we don’t see a robot as a threat: it’s simply another form of presence in the world’The 88-year-old Japanese physician swapped autopsies for popular science writing. In his best-seller, he argues that we have vast amounts of information but fail to understand one another because of an ‘invisible wall’ made up of prejudice, bias, self-assurance, and the failure to listenTakeshi Yoro at the Tokyo Museum of Photography, on April 30.IRWIN WONGGonzalo RobledoMay 16, 2026 - 06:00CESTShare on WhatsappShare on FacebookShare on TwitterDesplegar Redes SocialesPrefer EL PAÍS on GoogleCompartir:WhatsappFacebookTwitterBlueskyLinkedinCopy linkAnatomist Takeshi Yoro is 88 years old and spent 30 of those years performing autopsies at the University of Tokyo.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at EL PAÍS English.
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