Higher Education as a Projection of America’s Soft Power

Abstract

This chapter examines the use and effectiveness of Japan's soft power. It describes the objectives, actors, and budget of Japan's public diplomacy, and compares them with those of other countries. The chapter then evaluates the effect of Japan's soft power on the relationship between Japan and the United States. It also evaluates the effectiveness of Japan's use of soft power in achieving its foreign policy objectives toward the United States. It is difficult to determine the relative weight given to public diplomacy in the overall structure and activities of Japan's foreign policy. Public diplomacy is considered important at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC. The embassy is the center of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program in the United States, with two resident JET coordinators. Ambassador Kato Ryozo and other key members of the embassy support the embassy's efforts in conducting various cultural, educational, and academic programs as well as exchanges to enhance Japan's images in the United States.