Imitation Generates Technological Innovation

- Empirical Research on the Lacquer-like Vertical Comb of Jomon and Yayoi Periods -

Abstract

As imitation is now legally restricted globally, it is difficult to observe the innovation process created by original human desire. The lacquer-like toothed vertical comb, made in various forms and using different techniques, combines practicality and ornamentation, and was popular in the Jomon and Yayoi periods. This paper analyzes how imitation affects the innovation process and demonstrates that the combination of forms and technologies of the lacquer-like toothed vertical comb of the Jomon and Yayoi periods influences incremental innovation and breakthrough innovation. In order to study their form and techniques used in making them, the analysis employed the Geospatially Weighted Regression (GWR), using data from the remains of the lacquer-like toothed vertical combs excavated from the Jomon and Yayoi periods.