I lived in Japan and there are aspects where it is ahead but other aspects where it is stuck in 1970s with its processes and bureaucracy. For example in Saudi Arabia you can renew your passport and get a simcard without leaving the house and promptly. Last time I did my passport was delivered within 3 days and the simcard within 2 hours. In Japan getting my drivers license required multiple visits to various government offices and lots of paperwork. Similarly for getting a simcard, except for visiting the government offices part. Japan does have a significantly better infrastructure and more advanced and punctual mass transit system though.