Japan, a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage and rapid technological advancements, faces the dual challenge of a rapidly aging population and the need to preserve its unique traditions. The long-term care insurance system, implemented to support the elderly, plays a crucial role in this complex landscape. Meanwhile, the creation and dissemination of films showcasing Japan's diverse ethnic cultures offer a powerful means of cultural transmission to younger generations. Consider the case of a small, remote village in rural Japan, famed for its traditional Ainu crafts. The elderly artisans, the keepers of this unique heritage, are increasingly reliant on the long-term care system for assistance with daily tasks. The younger generation, exposed to the dominant global culture, shows decreasing interest in these traditional arts. The local government, recognizing the potential loss of cultural identity, has commissioned a documentary film detailing the lives and craftsmanship of these Ainu artisans, aiming to revitalize interest in this vanishing cultural heritage. Further complicating the matter is the increasing reliance on technological advancements, particularly in the field of weather forecasting. Accurate numerical weather prediction (NWP) is essential for managing the risks associated with natural disasters, an increasing concern in an aging society. Improved NWP, while crucial for safeguarding lives and property, often comes at the expense of the traditional knowledge of local weather patterns that elderly community members possess. These are not isolated issues, but rather interconnected aspects of a multifaceted challenge that demands careful consideration of the interplay between social welfare, cultural preservation, and technological progress.
1. Which of the following best summarizes the central theme of the passage?
2. According to the passage, what role does the long-term care insurance system play in the context of cultural preservation?
3. The example of the Ainu village serves primarily to illustrate:
4. What is the author's likely perspective on the relationship between traditional knowledge and technological advancements?