THE PRACTICES OF JAPAN’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY THROUGH THE JAPAN FOUNDATION IN PROMOTING JAPANESE MOVIES IN INDONESIA (2013-2016)

Abstract

Andini Yulindasari, (016201300011), The Practices of Japan’s Cultural Diplomacy through The Japan Foundation in Promoting Japanese Movies in Indonesia (2013-2016) Advisors: Drs. Teuku Rezasyah, M.A., Ph.D. Practices in diplomacy has been shifting as globalization pushes further the importance of establishing relations between states and its people. This also influence the methods and approaches that are being used by state actors in planning its foreign policy. Most state actors nowadays, if not all, have been actively pursuing its national interest with any means necessary. For Japan, correcting its image it gained from the World War II one of the most important national interests for them as stated in Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan paragraph 1 and 2. One of its ways in order to restore its image into a peace-loving democratic state is to design and plan its public and cultural diplomacy as Japan is rich with cultures both traditional and modern. One of Japan’s institutions that plays an active part in cultural diplomacy is the Japan Foundation. There has been many activities, projects, and programs that the institution has done over the years. It has established many of its overseas offices to help govern the cultural exchange activities and its other programs, including in Republic of Indonesia. The Japan Foundation, Jakarta plays an important role to project and present Japan in presence of the Indonesian people as many still have sentiment towards their pre-war image and war trauma. One of its activities include the promoting of Japanese films. This research uses the qualitative method by gathering and examining the subject from publications, speeches, statements, and official reports from Japan government as primary sources. This research provides detailed programs and activities done by the Foundation in promoting Japanese movies in Indonesia during 2013 until 2016. This research thus describes of how the Foundation promote Japan’s cultural diplomacy with films as its media through its programs and activities, such as Cinema Caravan, movie screenings, and Japanese film festivals.