The chairman of Keidanren, Japan’s influential business lobby, has called for enhanced efforts to promote Japanese content, including anime and gaming, as part of a broader strategy to boost the nation’s cultural and economic standing on the global stage.
Speaking on the organization’s future strategy, Tokura Masakazu highlighted the global popularity of Japanese creative industries and proposed establishing a government body dedicated to nurturing creative talent and expanding Japan’s content reach worldwide.
“Japan’s content, such as anime and gaming, enjoys significant international acclaim, but we need stronger mechanisms to capitalize on this potential,” Tokura stated.
Investment in Study Abroad Programs
In addition to cultural promotion, Tokura stressed the importance of encouraging more Japanese students to study abroad. He noted that Japan lags behind other nations in the number of students pursuing international education, which he attributed partly to insufficient financial support.
According to Tokura, the funding required to cover all applicants seeking overseas study opportunities would amount to approximately 1 trillion yen—a figure over 100 times the current allocation in the national budget.
“Both the public and private sectors must work together to support individuals with aspirations to study abroad,” he said, emphasizing the long-term benefits of cultivating globally minded talent for Japan’s future.
Keidanren’s proposals underscore the organization’s commitment to bolstering Japan’s global influence through cultural and educational initiatives, which they see as vital for maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.
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