Traditional and popular cultural discourses within the post-war development of Japan’s cultural diplomacy

Abstract

Vytautas Magnus UniversityThis paper analyses the development of post-war Japan’s cultural diplomacy since 1945, dividing it into four stages. It raises questions about what government institutions have been conducting cultural diplomacy, what the main international challenges have been, what communication tools have been used, and what kind of cultural discourses were prevalent during a particular stage. Special emphasis is put on the division of traditional versus popular cultural discourses within the cultural diplomacy of Japan, mainly concentrating on the important shift in this aspect that occurred at the beginning of the 21st century. This shift was marked by the government’s increasing shift towards popular culture discourse and the deliberate exploitation of that to promote Japan in the world.

Soft Power and Small States: A Theoretical Discussion

“…There are, of course, many ways to deploy soft power levers, such as broadcasting, nation branding, exchange initiatives, disaster aid, military-tomilitary cooperation, public diplomacy, personal diplomacy, global public relations, and reputation management and promotion. According to Zykas (2012), country branding and public diplomacy institutions (PDIs) serve the purpose of soft power credentials. Zykas (2012) asserts that country branding and public diplomacy institutes are in practice for soft power credentials.…”

“…According to Zykas (2012), country branding and public diplomacy institutions (PDIs) serve the purpose of soft power credentials. Zykas (2012) asserts that country branding and public diplomacy institutes are in practice for soft power credentials. According to Geiger (2010), soft power is -found in people, objects, systems, institutions, and activities.‖ Government programs and instruments are not sufficient for the effective implementation of soft power because it is shaped by civil society within a state (for example, by corporations, universities, NGOs, etc.).…”