1. Introduction
1.1. Definition of cultural diplomacy, its importance in the modern politics
The term ‘cultural diplomacy’ or as it is also called ‘diplomacy between cultures’ came into use quite recently, however, the evidence of its exercising into practice has been known for centuries. Since the establishing of ancient states such people as traders, artists, philosophers, teachers and explorers can be considered as a prototype of modern ambassadors and cultural diplomats. With the emergence of trade within different regions and nations the frequent exchange of information and cultural gifts between the traders and governments emerged. Those exchanges are now identified as ancient manifestations of cultural diplomacy as every person that contact with different culture ease the culture exchange in fields of politics, economics, science, arts, etc. Therefore, cultural diplomacy is an exchange of cultural aspects, information, ideas and traditions, between the representatives of different cultures aimed at promoting nation’s political influence on the world’s arena.
In a twenty first centuries globalized world cultural diplomacy is very crucial in fostering peace and stability throughout the world. If that type of diplomacy is learned and applied correctly it gives a unique opportunity to influence global ideologies and public opinion. The application of principles of diplomacy between cultures, such as recognition of cultural diversity, equality and justice, protection of human rights and international dialogue, promotes global peace and stability all over the world.
2. Japan’s cultural diplomacy: history and development
The main aim of cultural diplomacy is improving the image of a particular country, therefore, Japanese i...
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... the way of conducting Japan’s cultural diplomacy. There are some discussions in the Japanese political circles whether Japan should concentrate on current strategy that represents Japan as a highly-traditional, intellectual and peaceful culture or develop more aggressive cultural diplomacy.
However, despite the argues some parts of the new ‘soft power’ policy have already been implemented. The most visible results from the application of that concept are observed in Asian countries. As Japan was one of the United States’ allies in the Iraqi War its face as a peaceful non-military state in the Middle East was fading, therefore, Japan decided to pursue ‘civilian power’ cultural diplomacy as a stabilizing tool that will renew the image of the Japan in the region. To implement that kind of the policy several actions of Japanese government took place, among them:
The five aspects which we will examine that create Japan’s culture are: political, economic, military, social, and religious. We will take a look at some of the general facts and information about Japan and its history, more specifically, the events that led the country to its involvement in World War II. After reading this, it is my hope that many will have a better understanding of a foreign country they may not know much about.
Japan has historically taken ideas from the United States on its business, merchandise, or other corporate sectors to improve within its political borders. These practices have become massive cultural and economic movements in Japan. Interestingly, Japan takes ideas and molds them into Japanese culture and style; therefore, these products are “Japanized.” To further elaborate on this statement, Japan has succeeded in its businesses and corporations such as the automobile industries around the world (for example, the NUMMI plant production transcended those of American automobile productions due to an enhanced Japanese corporate culture). Albeit many Japanese industries have roots in the United States, they have expanded globally. The music
When moving to a market with a consumer culture so different from the home market, a company must be careful to analyse its target audience in detail, to avoid and costly cultural faux pas. To get a good feel for the Japanese culture, a good place to start would be the experts in the cultural studies field. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, created during his in depth GLOBE study of the cultures of the world, gives a good comparison between the priority differences between Japanese and English culture. A detailed analysis of the cultural differences will be given in the ‘Marketing Issues’ section of the report.
On the international scene, diplomacy is employed between nations as a means of negotiating on issues regarding trade, environment, culture, peacemaking among others for the mutual benefit the parties/nations involved. Personal diplomacy is premised on the idea of engaging face-to-face or having one on one discussions with partners in a non-threatening environment with an aim to persuade someone and seek common ground on issues.
Western Washington University (2011). US / Japan culture comparison. Retrieved February 9, 2014, from www.wwu.edu/auap/english/gettinginvolved/CultureComparison.shtml
Nye, Jr., Joseph S. “Hard and Soft Power in American Foreign Policy.” In Paradox of American Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. 4-17. Print.
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