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. At the second award ceremony held on 2nd September 2008, The chairman of the International MANGA award executive committee and then Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura presented awards to Mr. Lau Wan Kit (Hong Kong, China) and others. And, for the 3rd award in 2009, it has already received 303entries from 55 countries and regions.

From 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began the "Anime Ambassador" project, with the aim of increasing interest in Japan through Anime. In March 2008, then 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 65 cities worldwide. Approximately 27,000 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.

• International MANGA Award
• Cooperative Project Between Three Government Agencies at "Japan Expo" in Paris, One of the Largest Japanese Pop Culture Events in the World (June 2009)
• Commission of Trend Communicator of Japanese Pop Culture in the Field of Fashion (February 25, 2009)
• Inauguration Ceremony of Anime Ambassador (March 19, 2008)