This year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Shiba Ryotaro (1923–96). Even after the passage of so much time, Shiba’s works continue to be widely read. The cumulative circulation of Saka no Ue no Kumo (Clouds Above the Hill: A Historical Novel of the Russo-Japanese War), which deals with the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05), has reached 19.7 million copies. Meanwhile, Ryoma ga Yuku (Ryoma!: The Life of Sakamoto Ryoma), which depicts the turmoil of the Bakumatsu period (the late Tokugawa shogunate [1603–1867]) centering on Sakamoto Ryoma (1836–67), has reached a staggering 25 million copies. The large number of salaried workers among his readers is another prominent characteristic. The May 1996 special extra issue of Bungeishunju[1] contains many essays by figures in the business and bureaucratic sectors who had been avid readers of Shiba’s works since their youth. In response to Shiba’s passing, ... ... [Read more]

Amidst a Diverse Food Culture It is difficult to categorize Washoku (Japanese cuisine) into a single type because it has developed uniquely across different eras and regions. One reason for this diversity is the geography of the Japanese archipelago. It stretches approximately 3,200 kilometers from north to south, spanning latitudes from 20 to 45 degrees north. Consequently, the arrival of the “cherry blossom front” (sakura zensen) or the rainy season differs by a month or more between Okinawa and Hokkaido. The presence or absence of heavy snowfall also creates significant regional contrasts. These factors lead to variations in the resources gathered from mountains, rivers, seas, and fields, which in turn shape distinct regional dietary habits. Furthermore, Japan remains an archipelago of mountainous islands, with mountains occupying over 60 percent of the land today. Human dwellings and settlements are scattered up to elevations of several ... ... [Read more]

World Expositions and the Internationalization of Japanese Culture There are two dimensions to the “internationalization” of culture. One is the proactive dissemination of one’s own culture abroad while engaging in exchanges with other nations. In contrast, the second is what can be termed “internal internationalization”—a process where citizens’ direct exposure to foreign cultures within their own country fosters new forms of exchange and cultural creation with a global consciousness. International expositions, or World Expos, which are held based on international treaties, encompass both of these aspects. On one hand, they provide an opportunity for nations to exhibit their domestic industries and technologies while introducing their cultural and artistic works through events such as National Days. In the context of Japan, the Japan Pavilion and Japan Day at overseas expositions serve as vital platforms for communicating Japanese culture to the world. Conversely, in the host ... ... [Read more]

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. 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 around the world. This has ... ... [Read more]