Japan works to promote soft power diplomacy using manga and anime

Japan is striving to enhance its soft power diplomacy by harnessing the popularity of its pop culture, such as manga and anime. The government aims to increase Japan's influence in the Global South and beyond by using well-known works to attract more fans in developing countries. The Foreign Ministry allocated ¥1.83 billion ($11.6 million) in fiscal 2027 to execute projects promoting Japanese manga, anime, music, movies, and nurturing professionals in the Japanese language overseas.

Japan has already established cultural exchange programs using concerts; for instance, in January, the Japan Foundation organized an anime song concert in Cote d'Ivoire, where over 600 people attended, along with 2,000 spectators outside the venue. Japan is considering similar events in South America and other regions. The intention is to boost interest in Japan by organizing such concerts in less familiar regions.

To foster a correct understanding of Japan's cultural background among foreigners, the ministry is also dedicated to training translators of the Japanese language abroad. They plan to provide these individuals with opportunities to meet Japanese publishers and develop manga-inspired Japanese conversation apps. Japan's initiatives are motivated by China's expanding influence in the Global South.

Tokyo seeks to attract attention from emerging countries through globally popular Japanese manga and anime, such as "One Piece" and "Jujutsu Kaisen." The content's inclusion in the government's growth strategy has enabled the Foreign Ministry to expand diplomacy centered around content, according to a senior ministry official. "We aim for more people to know Japanese manga and anime, and foster a positive perception of Japan," the official remarked.