"A Night at the Coffee Shop to Chart the Future: A Conversation between Sakyo Komatsu and an Editor on AI and Humanity (1970s)"

"A Night at the Coffee Shop to Chart the Future: A Conversation between Sakyo Komatsu and an Editor on AI and Humanity (1970s)"

In a corner of a small coffee shop amidst the bustle of Tokyo. As he gazed at the steam of coffee rising from his cup, Sakyo Komatsu suddenly murmured, "The society of the future will be one where technology tests humanity. The society of the future will be one in which technology tests humanity." The editor's eyes sharpened at his words. What do you mean by that? I asked quietly.

Komatsu narrowed his eyes and smiled a little. For example, when AI surpasses human intelligence, we will still be tested on how we define our humanity. And space. The time will come when we will leave the earth and take on new frontiers. At that time, human bonds, ethics, and trust will become even more important." Every word carried the conviction of a forecaster of the future.

So how does this relate to today's society? The editor asked. Komatsu leaned back in his chair and inhaled deeply. Our growth now depends on physical things," he said. Bullet trains, factories, skyscrapers. But in the future, the invisible will play a leading role. Information, knowledge, and stories. These will be the pillars that support the human spirit."

The conversation further expanded to space. When the editor asked, "Is there really a possibility for space development?" Komatsu's eyes lit up. Of course," Komatsu replied. Space is our next stage. Space is our next stage, where unknown possibilities are expanding. But at the same time, we have to think about how to protect the Earth. This planet is our starting point. We must protect our resources and preserve the environment. That is the key to the future."

The jazz music playing in the restaurant enveloped the aftermath of their conversation. Komatsu's final words were, "No matter how technology evolves, it is the stories that humans continue to weave that will connect us to the future. That night, with the aroma of coffee in the air, the two men sat down to talk about the future of the company. That night, with the aroma of coffee in the air, a vision of the future was painted in a corner of the coffee shop.

The dialogue that took place that night vividly reflected the expectations, anxieties, and signs of change that were floating around in the 1970s. The endless dreams of mankind. One part of it was certainly present in the words of Sakyo Komatsu.