Abstract by Susan Napier 

Can Japanese Soft Power Save the World? Millennial Japan and its [Dis]Contents

In recent years, the term "soft power", as opposed to the "hard power" of military force, has become popular among academics and in the media. But what does "soft power" really mean and can it really have much effect on contemporary events? This lecture looks at Japan, one of the pre-eminent practioners of soft power in the 21st century, whose global reach extends from "Hello Kitty" to hybrid cars. We will explore both the dark and light sides of Japanese soft power, including such spheres as otaku culture, technological innovation, and artistic production to try and determine what impact the "contents" of Japanese culture has on our current globalized society.