Japan University Course Explores Anime as Tool for Peace; Fosters Empathy By Connecting Different Cultures, Generations

Keio University in Tokyo introduced an innovative "anime peace studies" course this academic year. The course explores how Japanese anime can foster empathy and bridge cultural divides among people of different backgrounds and generations. Approximately 400 students enrolled in the course, which was backed by U.S. streaming giant Netflix Inc. Across four weeks from April to July, students attended fourteen classes, each featuring guest speakers including anime critics, diplomats, and researchers from other universities.

Among the notable lecturers was Kenjiro Monji, a former Foreign Ministry official and ambassador to Canada, who delivered a presentation on June 16. Monji emphasized Japan's history of leveraging pop culture for diplomatic purposes, citing examples such as the use of "Captain Tsubasa" water trucks in post-conflict Iraq and Doraemon, an anime character, being appointed an anime cultural ambassador.

One third-year law student who participated in the course noted, "I realized that anime has the power to bridge language and cultural divides. Even without English proficiency, I felt anime could serve as a common tool for interacting with people." The course is expected to be offered again next academic year, with university officials expressing enthusiasm for further examining anime's potential contributions to peace.