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No.86
Vol. 1, Culture  Feb. 8, 2026

Japanese Pop Culture and Cultural Diplomacy: Overseas Expansion, Reception, and the Role of Fan Communities

The popularity of Japanese pop culture continues to grow. Leveraging inbound tourism and imported culture is also a key aspect of cultural diplomacy. Pop culture as a strategic pillar of cultural diplomacy. The weak yen is driving global interest in events and sales within Japan. The “mutual circulation” of culture aligns with the essence of cultural diplomacy. Nakamura Jin, Professor, Atomi University Pop culture has become an important element in modern soft power strategies. Japanese anime, manga, games, and related music are enjoyed worldwide, and Japan is already one of the leading countries in promoting pop culture. Anime and game conventions are held in various countries and regions around the world, attracting many fans of Japanese works. This movement of Japanese pop culture is primarily driven by creators and private companies who communicate its fun and excitement through their work, both in Japan and ... ... [Read more]