PM Takaichi Allocates 55 Billion Yen to Boost Anime and Creative Exports Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed this week that anime, manga, J-pop, and gaming are now central pillars of Japan's diplomatic strategy, announcing a massive financial commitment to support creators in these cultural sectors.

The government is earmarking over 55 billion yen from the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget specifically for this initiative. This funding is designed to aggressively expand the overseas reach of Japanese creative industries, setting an ambitious target of 20 trillion yen in total overseas sales.

This support structure will involve multi-year commitments utilizing public-private partnerships. Prime Minister Takaichi indicated she intends to solicit direct feedback from industry professionals on the best deployment of these substantial resources.

For anime fans, this budget allocation is a clear governmental endorsement of the long-running 'Cool Japan' concept. With direct government funding now in the pipeline, expect increased international promotion for established properties, such as those from Studio Ghibli.

The Prime Minister has maintained a demanding diplomatic schedule since taking office last October, participating in six major international meetings and holding 22 summit discussions involving 18 different nations and organizations. The recent visit by President Trump underscored the strengthening of Japan-U.S. ties, framed around achieving a 'New Golden Age' for the relationship.

However, the diplomatic environment remains strained, particularly with China. A recent security dispute led to Beijing imposing retaliatory measures, including issuing travel advisories, curbing cultural exchanges, and halting seafood imports. Takaichi has maintained her position on the security matters, refusing Beijing's demands for retraction and standing by established Japanese policy.

In her New Year's address on January 1, Takaichi spoke about restoring Japan's global diplomatic standing and pushing necessary reforms without hesitation, drawing on the historical resilience of the Showa era for inspiration.