On Gross National Cool

I found the 2002 Foreign Policy Article on Japan’s Gross National Cool intriguing, in how challenge us to reconsider the economic prerequisite for pervasive and persuasive international soft power.

The article highlights that in the 1980s, when Japan was at the peak of its 30 year climb from post-war destruction, its cultural influence on the rest of the world was minimal. Even though full employment and national pride were abundant, the country could not seem to reach out to foreign markets. The author of the article proffers that since Japan’s population was much older, youth culture and new ideas had no voice.

Now with an embattled economy, and the value of its much younger population—aptly deemed ‘child kings,’ Japan has found a way to become a regional and larger international influence. Nike, Sony, and Hello Kitty are examples of Japan’s success, and even though the countries hard infrastructure and economic portfolio have a loose footing, Japan has found a way to circumvent traditional power norms with mere aesthetics

Japan is obviously the greatest globalization success story, but maybe bits and pieces of its recent history could be adapted to the less powerful, fledgling democracies of the world. Maybe with a small amount of aid they can develop small a small infrastructure that can support. a niche into the international consciousness.