The Japanese language as a soft power tool

... national identity. The Japanese government believes that culture is not only something of great interest inside the country but also a vehicle for the promotion of national interests abroad [3] . Traditionally, great significance is attached to the Japanese language, the promotion of which around the world is seen as a key aspect of soft power. The Japan Foundation In 1994-2004 Japanese allocations to the International Development Assistance Fund accounted for one-fifth of the total amount Japan launched the focused promotion of its language in the 1970s because by the late 1960s ...