The Japanese authorities have identified video games and anime as key industries for promoting Japanese culture abroad
The Japanese government has revised its Cool Japan strategy (クールジャパン), which is aimed at spreading Japanese culture worldwide and strengthening Japan's ties with other countries. Notably, it has listed the content industry (video games, anime, manga, etc.) as a key element of the strategy.
Super Mario Bros.
The content industry has been part of the Cool Japan strategy before, but it received somewhat less attention. Other important industries highlighted in Cool Japan include technology, food, and tourism industries.
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 grow more than fourfold to 20 trillion yen ($129 billion) by 2033.
