Japan in the Global Context - (Some) Challenges in the 21st Century

This paper will look at some challenges that Japan faces in the 21st century. Starting first with a historical perspective, I will look at the role that the nihonjinron played in the global positioning of Japan, before elucidating Japan’s position in Asia. By a critical assessment of the Cool Japan policy, I will then analyse to what extent it can be deemed successful, and in how far soft power can be a tool that can help overcome challenges, or whether it posits a challenge in itself