What is the technology level in the Naruto universe?


I think I will poke a plot inconsistency here.

Since the first chapter, you can see Naruto using what seems to be plastic
googles, his clothes are made of seems to be synthetic fiber clothes. You can
see that the village have video tapes (which also suggest the knowledge of
electricity) and radios. They know the internal combustion engine, going by
the mission to protect the bridge designer, in which they prefer not using the
engine because it makes noise.

But later, or more like in all the plot, there seems to be instances where
this technology could be used, like sending messages between villages/members,
or setting up vigilance, but are not used.

Why is that?




Here's an extract of Kishimoto's interview

> _Konohagakure no Sato_ Guns and vehicles shouldn't be drawn.
>
> A: Well, well, we reach the final keyword. The main stage of "Naruto",
> "Konohagakure no Sato". To you, what image do you have of this place? For
> example, was it modeled on the scenery around your parents' home in Okayama?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: That's right. To be honest, I didn't think much about
> this, and got a lot on my inspiration there. Maybe it was subconsciously
> modeled on Okayama's scenery.
>
> A: What kind of time period did you set it in? If it was in the distant
> past, then covenience stores wouldn't be there...
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: It's not really any different to present-time. Though
> possibly a little in the past, maybe?
>
> A: What kind of place is it? Is it Japan? If so, what prefecture...?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: It's a completely original place. I didn't set it
> anywhere. A place inside my own head... If anything, the climate and
> topography resemble that around Kyoto. As I've never been to Kyoto, it's my
> own image of it. (laugh)
>
> A: What material did you use for it?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: I like Japanese culture, and since I studied it, I used a
> lot of material from that. Crests and folding fans... I often look at
> Japanese-style gardens and watch Kabuki.
>
> A: Do you have any rules about what is definitely not allowed to be drawn in
> the "Naruto" world?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: Firstly, projectile weapons such as guns aren't allowed.
> (The one exception is Inari's bowgun.) Guns aren't suited to ninja.
> Gunpowder is used in the anime, though I don't think it should be there.
> And, vehicles such as aeroplanes are not allowed. I try to restrain
> technology that can be used for war... For example, if missiles were in it,
> it'd be the end. (laughs)
>
> A: Well, thank you very much for everything today.
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: Thank you very much!

And from Shonen Jump

> Shonen Jump:Your work seems to have a science fiction influence.
> Approximately speaking what is the technology level in the world of Naruto?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: **Actually, the world of Naruto doesn’t differ very much
> from our present time.** TV, refrigerators and air conditioners exist in the
> world. **The only exceptions are weapons and explosives, which I’ve decided
> to set in a much earlier era.** That’s why you don’t see firearms.




Here's an extract of Kishimoto's interview

> _Konohagakure no Sato_ Guns and vehicles shouldn't be drawn.
>
> A: Well, well, we reach the final keyword. The main stage of "Naruto",
> "Konohagakure no Sato". To you, what image do you have of this place? For
> example, was it modeled on the scenery around your parents' home in Okayama?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: That's right. To be honest, I didn't think much about
> this, and got a lot on my inspiration there. Maybe it was subconsciously
> modeled on Okayama's scenery.
>
> A: What kind of time period did you set it in? If it was in the distant
> past, then covenience stores wouldn't be there...
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: It's not really any different to present-time. Though
> possibly a little in the past, maybe?
>
> A: What kind of place is it? Is it Japan? If so, what prefecture...?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: It's a completely original place. I didn't set it
> anywhere. A place inside my own head... If anything, the climate and
> topography resemble that around Kyoto. As I've never been to Kyoto, it's my
> own image of it. (laugh)
>
> A: What material did you use for it?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: I like Japanese culture, and since I studied it, I used a
> lot of material from that. Crests and folding fans... I often look at
> Japanese-style gardens and watch Kabuki.
>
> A: Do you have any rules about what is definitely not allowed to be drawn in
> the "Naruto" world?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: Firstly, projectile weapons such as guns aren't allowed.
> (The one exception is Inari's bowgun.) Guns aren't suited to ninja.
> Gunpowder is used in the anime, though I don't think it should be there.
> And, vehicles such as aeroplanes are not allowed. I try to restrain
> technology that can be used for war... For example, if missiles were in it,
> it'd be the end. (laughs)
>
> A: Well, thank you very much for everything today.
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: Thank you very much!

And from Shonen Jump

> Shonen Jump:Your work seems to have a science fiction influence.
> Approximately speaking what is the technology level in the world of Naruto?
>
> Masashi Kishimoto: **Actually, the world of Naruto doesn’t differ very much
> from our present time.** TV, refrigerators and air conditioners exist in the
> world. **The only exceptions are weapons and explosives, which I’ve decided
> to set in a much earlier era.** That’s why you don’t see firearms.

