Anime and Japan’s Cultural Diplomacy

It is no secret that Japan is a powerhouse in global influence, especially in popular culture. From the devastating aftereffects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, Japan has been able to build itself back up to be "the second-largest industrialized democracy". While most of Japan’s power can be attributed to its advanced technological innovations, its influence on culture and media is largely due to the rise and global spread of anime. 

It is obvious, especially in America, that anime make a large impact on popular culture. More recently, this is exemplified through Megan Thee Stallion’s new song, "Mamushi". In it, she collaborates with Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba, and the music video pays tribute to Japanese culture and films. 

So how does this connect to cultural diplomacy? To understand that, we must first know what cultural diplomacy is. Cultural diplomacy is more commonly known as soft power in which it refers to the ability to spread influence based on the "exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity". For Japan, it is clear that anime contributes greatly to their soft power. Modern anime can be traced back to 1956 and evolved into international success at the start of the 21st century. Animes such as Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball Z launched Japan's cultural diplomacy and influence on the world. This idea is further supported by the Japanese government as they started the "Cool Japan" initiative in 2010. “Cool Japan” aims to strengthen ties between Japan and other countries by promoting Japanese culture through channels such as media and food. 

Furthermore, the popularity of anime has helped shape global perceptions of Japan. Japan has solidified itself, not only as a leading technological innovator, but as a rich cultural center. The vast variety of anime has allowed Japan to illustrate it’s deep history and culture (through animes such as Demon Slayer) while staying relevant on a global field by incorporating universal themes such as friendship, love, and resilience. Moreover, the expansive choice of genres (action, romance, slice-of-life etc.) ensures the appeal anime has to a diverse global audience which only furthers Japan’s global impact. 

All in all, Japan’s rise as a global powerhouse is linked to its ability to utilize soft power through cultural diplomacy, where anime plays a pivotal role. The widespread appeal of anime has gone beyond simple entertainment, as it has shaped global perceptions of Japan, not only as a leader in technology, but as a cultural hub. The reach of Japan’s cultural diplomacy is evident through its impact in popular culture, even just within America, as evidenced through many aspects with the aforementioned Megan Thee Stallion song only being the beginning. Through its diversity in genre, theme, and overall storytelling, anime has allowed Japan to connect with global audiences, making it clear that it is a cornerstone in Japan’s diplomatic outreach.