The Japanese authorities have identified video games and anime as key sectors for promoting Japanese culture abroad
The Japanese government has revised its Cool Japan (クールジャパン) strategy, which aims to promote Japanese culture worldwide and strengthen Japan's ties with other countries. Specifically, it has highlighted the content industry (video games, anime, manga, etc.) as a key element of the strategy.
Super Mario Bros.
While the content industry has always been part of the Cool Japan strategy, it previously received slightly less attention. Other important industries highlighted in Cool Japan include technology, food production, and tourism.
According to government estimates, in 2022, Japanese game developers, animation studios, and other content industry representatives earned a total of 4.7 trillion yen ($30 billion) abroad. Officials expect this amount to more than quadruple by 2033, reaching 20 trillion yen ($129 billion).