Section 4 Efforts to Promote Understanding and Trust in Japan

Overview

(Strategic Communication in 2017)

In 2017, in light of pressing issues of the increasing severity of the North Korea situation, and challenges to the international order through unilateral attempts to　change the status quo, Japan expressed the importance of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and other fundamental values, as well as its intention to continue contributing greatly to the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. In regard to the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” advocated　by Prime Minister Abe (See Special Feature “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”), Japan also placed great emphasis on communicating it at various opportunities including the visit by U.S. President Trump to Japan in November, the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the ASEAN Summit. By taking advantage of various opportunities and utilizing various tools, Japan is also engaged in efforts to information about matters on the recognition of history, including the issue of the so-called “comfort women” and various issues on maintaining Japan's territorial integrity.

(Initiatives in Strategic Communications)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is implementing strategic communications based on the three-pillar approach of (1) working to convey Japan's views, policies and initiatives, (2) sharing Japan's rich and varied attractiveness, and (3) cultivating understanding and support for Japan while strengthening the system of the diplomatic missions overseas. Initiatives in communications have continued to be bolstered, with focuses on increasing the understanding of Japan's contributions towards the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community, maintenance and strengthening of the international order based on the rule of law, and on promoting understanding of issues regarding history.

To convey Japan's views, policies and initiatives,　in addition to direct diplomatic communication from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister at various opportunities and proactive communication from the heads of the diplomatic missions overseas, MOFA took advantage of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's official overseas visits to disseminate information to foreign media through the Press Secretary and other officials. In those occasions, MOFA promptly provided information to the media, offered assistance for press coverage and was actively engaged in communicating with the public through the invitation of experts and media personnel, frequently in collaboration with think tanks. In cases where erroneous reports based on misunderstandings or biases about Japan were found, MOFA took corrective measures, including sending rebuttal pieces by the head of the diplomatic mission overseas or the Press Secretary.

To share Japan's rich and varied attractiveness, MOFA has been moving forward on the development of “Japan House,” which are overseas hubs aimed at expanding the base of deeper understanding of and affinity for Japan in London (UK), Los Angeles (U.S.), and São Paulo (Brazil). Also, diplomatic missions around the world have implemented cultural projects, while the Japan Foundation (JF) has taken initiatives such as the “WA Project.” Among these cultural projects was the 11th Japan International MANGA Award. Moreover, initiatives were implemented in cooperation with people in Japan and overseas to preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage throughout the world, and promote inscription of Japan's cultural heritage on the World Heritage List and the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To cultivate understanding and support for Japan, MOFA promoted the exchange of young people with Asia, the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, held a U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON), and provided support for Japanese studies at universities in major countries, in an effort to promote personal and intellectual exchanges and Japanese language education. Moreover, to ensure the success of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, “Sport for Tomorrow (SFT)” was launched as a sports-based international contribution project. To continue implementing these initiatives strategically and effectively, MOFA will continue to enhance Japan's strategic communication based on the three-pillar approach described above, through the effective use of its budget for strategic communication.