«Digital Diplomacy in Japan’s Foreign Policy»
Students Name: Babenko Artem Serhiiovych
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2025-2026 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: In the 21st century, digital technologies have become one of the leading factors transforming international relations and the foreign policy of states. Japan, as a high-tech country with developed innovative potential, consistently forms a comprehensive model of digital diplomacy that encompasses tools of public diplomacy, information security, cultural influence, and strategic communications. The intensive use of digital platforms, including social media, multimedia services, analytical artificial intelligence systems, and online communications, has enabled Japan to strengthen its role in the global information space and contribute to the formation of a positive international image of the state [1; 2]. Study object – digital diplomacy as an element of the foreign policy of modern states. Scope of research – Japan’s digital diplomacy as an element of its foreign policy. Goal of research: to describe the current state and prospects for the development of Japan’s digital diplomacy as an element of its foreign policy. The master’s thesis analyzes the evolution of the concept of digital diplomacy in academic literature and international practice, and outlines the role of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Digital Agency in forming the state’s digital strategy. The tools of digital diplomacy were investigated, such as social media, online communications, virtual platforms for cultural diplomacy, and technological solutions in the field of cybersecurity [3; 4]. Special attention is paid to the interconnection of digital diplomacy with “soft power” tools, particularly cultural initiatives, international exchange programs (JET Programme), and digital cultural projects [3; 4]. A key element of Japan’s digital strategy is the integration of foreign policy with the national concept of “Society 5.0”. This allows for the conversion of technological leadership in the fields of 5G, IoT, and robotics into specific diplomatic advantages. The study found that the active promotion of cultural content through the “Cool Japan” initiative in the digital space forms a powerful, authentic channel of influence on a young global audience. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms that ensure prompt crisis response and effective counteraction to disinformation in Japan. It is established that its digital diplomacy effectively utilizes gastrodiplomacy (washoku) to humanize its foreign policy and build trust. MOFA applies big data and its analytics to monitor global trends and evaluate the effectiveness of Japan’s diplomatic campaigns. The institutional infrastructure, including the Digital Agency, ensures a high level of coordination of interagency digital efforts in the foreign policy domain. The regional aspects of Japan’s digital diplomacy were also studied, particularly its use of digital tools to support the Strategy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Japan’s high digital activity, alongside the PRC and South Korea, creates a regional cluster of e-diplomacy leaders in East Asia. The study concludes that Japan’s digital diplomacy is not limited to traditional formats of public diplomacy but encompasses cyber diplomacy, cybersecurity, technological partnership, and participation in the formation of international digital norms (DFFT). The key challenges identified include increasing risks of cyberattacks, the need to improve the regulatory framework, and the development of digital competencies among diplomatic personnel [5]. Prospects for Japan’s foreign policy involve the innovative combination of artificial intelligence capabilities, big data analytics, and digital platforms, and the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of digital governance. VR/AR and blockchain technologies are expected to become new tools for immersive cultural events and increasing the transparency of cross-border operations of the Japanese MOFA. Keywords: digital diplomacy, foreign policy, Japan, international relations, public diplomacy, information security, soft power, globalization. References. 1. Окладна М. Г., Стеценко В. Ю. Роль цифрової дипломатії в сучасній зовнішній політиці держави. Право та інноваційне суспільство. 2020. № 2(15). С. 13–17. (Дата звернення: 03.12.2025). 2. Удовік В. Культурна дипломатія як «комунікативний міст» між Україною та Японією. 2020. URL: https://www.ud.gdip.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/72.pdf (Дата звернення: 03.12.2025). 3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Japan’s Cyber Diplomacy. Tokyo. 2018. URL: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000412327.pdf (Last accessed: 03.12.2025). 4. Government of Japan. Digital Agency Annual Report 2023. Tokyo. 2023. URL: https://www.digital.go.jp (Last accessed: 03.12.2025). 5. Karlis K. Digital Practices of Diplomatic Communication and Their Implications for Global Politics. Ukrainian Journal of Foreign Affairs. 2023. URL: https://uaforeignaffairs.com/en/journal-article/200 (Last accessed: 03.12.2025).