Japanese Government to Promote Anime and Manga Globally, Strengthening "Soft Power Diplomacy"
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is launching a new initiative to promote Japanese cultural content, such as anime, manga, films, music, and literature, to the world. This campaign is being called "soft power diplomacy," and its goal is to deepen international understanding of Japan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested approximately 1.83 billion yen for the 2027 fiscal year budget. With this funding, the ministry plans to actively introduce Japanese content, particularly in countries across Latin America and Africa where Japanese culture has not yet had a significant reach.
While Japanese anime and manga are currently popular worldwide, there is a disparity in awareness depending on the region. The government hopes to cultivate new fans by strengthening participation in local events and enhancing outreach through online platforms.
Cultural exchange can also serve as a catalyst for improving relations between nations. Through this project, it is hoped that people in many countries will engage with Japanese culture and develop a greater interest in Japan.