Pop-Culture Diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to further the understanding and trust of Japan, is using pop-culture, in addition to traditional culture and art, as its primary tools for cultural diplomacy. Among young people, pop-culture, such as Manga and Anime, has been popular worldwide in recent years.

As part of the Ministry's efforts, "the International MANGA Award" was created in 2007. For the 6th award in 2012, it has received 245 entries from 38 countries and regions.

The International MANGA Award was established in May 2007 upon the initiative of then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Taro Aso with the aim of awarding MANGA creators who contribute to the spread of MANGA culture overseas.

From 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began the "Anime Ambassador" project, with the aim of increasing the interest of the people overseas in Japan through Anime. In March 2008, then-Minister for Foreign Minister Koumura handed "Doraemon" a letter of assignment, making the character the Anime Ambassador of Japan. The theatrical release "Doraemon the Movie Nobita's Dinosaur 2006" was translated into 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian) and shown in screening events in 55 countries and regions worldwide. Approximately 28,700 people participated in these events.

In February 2009, young leaders pursuing remarkable activities in pop-culture, particularly in the field of fashion, were selected as Trend Communicators of Japanese Pop Culture, (or "カワイイ Ambassadors") to carry out publicity activities.

"Cosplay" enjoys strong international popularity in recent years. Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been conferring a Foreign Minister's Prize for the best costume-player in "the World Cosplay Summit", the biggest annual Cosplay event in Japan, since 2007.

Back to Index