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Japanese thoughts of “Cool Japan”

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Anime, manga (comic books), fashion and other aspects of Japanese culture have been receiving worldwide attention, called “cool Japan.” A survey was carried out by the Tokyo Polytechnic University in which the main question was, “What area of Japanese culture would you like to introduce to the rest of the world?” The survey was completed by Japanese citizens, which the following results.

The top six areas were “animation” (56.9%), “manga” (49.9%), “Japanese cuisine” (47%), “Japanese scenery” (43.9%), “games” (37.3%), “traditional entertainment” (34.7%).

■What area of Japanese culture would you like to introduce to the rest of the world?

1. Animation 56.9%
2. Manga 49.0%
3. Japanese cuisine 47.0%
4. Japanese scenery 43.9%
5. Games 37.3%
6. Traditional entertainment 34.7%
7. Handicrafts 23.6%
8. Architecture 23.2%
9. Music 22.6%
10. Japanese literature 19.3%

Animated television shows which ranked as “cool Japan” were the “Dragonball” series, “Doraemon” (both 47.7%), and “Mobile Suit Gundam” series (47.6%).

■Animated TV shows thought to be “cool Japan”

  1. Dragon Ball
  2. Doraemon
  3. Mobile Suit Gundam
  4. One Piece
  5. Lupin the Third
  6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
  7. Pokémon
  8. Astro Boy
  9. Detective Conan
  10. Space Battleship Yamato

■Manga thought to be “cool Japan”

  1. Dragon Ball
  2. One Piece
  3. Fist of the North Star
  4. Astro Boy
  5. The Police Station in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward
    (こちら葛飾区亀有公園前派出所)
  6. Slam Dunk
  7. Black Jack
  8. Naruto
  9. Death Note
  10. Boys Over Flowers

■Games thought to be “cool Japan”

  1. Dragon Quest
  2. Super Mario Brothers
  3. Final Fantasy
  4. Pokémon
  5. Puyo Puyo
  6. The Legend of Zelda
  7. Bio Hazard aka. Resident Evil
  8. Monster Hunter
  9. Muso Series
  10. Street Fighter

The term “cool Japan” refers to Japanese products and culture which has been accepted and is supported internationally. This includes pop culture such as anime, manga, and games, as well as automobiles, fashion, and traditional culture. If one were to compare the opinions of “cool Japan” from a Japanese point of view, and from a foreigner’s point of view, it would surely be possible to understand the differences between both sides. Accordingly, we would like to introduce the “cool Japan” as recognized by foreigners.

**Now accepting applications (1000) to take an online survey. Applicants must be 15 to 49 years of age (500 men, 500 women). Survey will take place between April 30th and May 6th.

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