After “Cool Japan”: A Study on Cultural Nationalism

What is the meaning of “Japanese” culture? In earlier ages, it was about temples, Noh plays, Kabuki, Utamaro and Wabi-sabi. These traditional icons have, since the Meiji era (1868-1912), been identified as typically Japanese. Are they, however, still relevant today? Has there been any crucial mutation in the cultural identity of Japan? In the contemporary era, more and more people associate Japanese culture with Manga, animation and video games, in other words with cultural developments of the post-World War II era. The Japanese Government has actively promoted the popularity of these new aspects of Japanese culture as evidenced in their eagerness to adopt the expression “Cool Japan,” inspired by its British predecessor’s “Cool Britannia.” Everyone does not share that perception though. Following the 11th March 2011 series of disasters, Japanese artist Tadasu Takamine (1968-) worked on a critical questioning of Japanese society and culture, culminating in a work titled Tadasu Takamine's Cool Japan that was shown at the Art Tower Mito, in Ibaraki Prefecture (2012). The present essay reflects on and develops further the message conveyed by Takamine about contemporary Japanese cultural identity.