“Cool” Japan as Cultural Superpower

“Cool” Japan as Cultural Superpower

“Cool” Japan: A New Cultural Superpower

Japan, for the longest time, majored in manufacturing and exporting electronics and hardware. However, the 21^st century brought a change in dynamics where demand for music, art, fashion, media, and food (Stalker 376), which had all become part of the new Japanese pop culture, rose, fueled by the growing popularity of the internet all over the world.

Anime and Manga are some of the most widespread forms of contemporary Japanese pop culture. They are popular among children and adults as well. They have been used to influence trends, propagate the increase in knowledge of Japanese culture and even to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. For instance, the works of Miyazaki Hayao, a good renown director of Japanese anime in the 1980’s, portrayed his female characters as strong, bold, courageous, independent heroines (Stalker 382). This new form of art was contrary to the stereotypes at the time, which depicted women as fragile beings that needed to be protected, always be cute and act submissively or wait to be rescued by a strong masculine character. Anime has now become part of Japan’s trademark exports, which has seen the country earn billions in revenue from anime films, games, and cute commodities, further strengthening Japan’s economy and power..

Japanese cuisine has also gained its reputation as part of the most popular international exotic cuisines. The most common being sushi, which is regarded as a healthy, authentic, sophisticated staple.

Japan’s influence on consumerism has a significant bearing on people’s preferences worldwide, which gives it ‘soft’ power.

Takeaway 1 Response

Japanese pop culture, embodied in “Cool Japan” as a brand, has a significant influence not only on the Japanese economy but also on the global economy. I agree that this influence is effective as some of the characters used in anime have gone on to become mascots of the Japanese culture.

Takeaway 2 Response

Freely availing emojis to everyone has made communication not only fun but also visually appealing. I agree that women should be given freedom of choice to forge their path. I also believe women can strike a balance between one’s career and family without neglecting either.

Works Cited

Stalker, Nancy K. Japan: History and Culture from Classical to Cool. Univ of California Press, 2018.