The Impact of Japan's Cultural Diplomacy on the Construction of Japan's Traditional Cultural Soft Power

Abstract

After World War II, Japan improved its national image and soft power through a series of cultural diplomacy tools. Cultural diplomacy aims to enhance understanding and friendship among the peoples of different countries through culture-related means of external communication. Soft power, on the other hand, refers to the third aspect of a country's strength, in addition to economic and military power. Japan's cultural diplomacy has a profound impact on the construction of its traditional cultural soft power. This article adopts a longitudinal single-case study approach to sort out Japan's traditional culture, including cultural heritage, traditional skills, spiritual culture, and national character. The article finds that Japan has enhanced its goodwill towards Japan in Europe, America and Southeast Asia through its active participation in international co-operation, reform and strategic positioning of government institutions, development of tourism, cultural and artistic exchanges, and promotion of celebrity masterpieces. This suggests that the building of Japan's traditional cultural soft power can be translated into favorable feelings towards Japan among people in other countries. However, the inherent closedness of traditional culture and history-related traditional culture are the obstacles that need to be overcome in the construction of Japan's traditional cultural soft power.