Public diplomacy, otherwise known as nation branding, has never been more important in post-3/11 Japan.

Japan is playing a game of catch up with its recent announcement of the Japan Brand Fund ¡°to fund and support business activities to cultivate overseas demand for Japan¡¯s attractive products and services that make full use of the unique characteristics of Japan¡¯s culture and lifestyle.¡±

Most every nation now has a public diplomacy entity to promote its unique qualities so even Cool Japan and J-Pop have a lot of global competition.