Paper short abstract:

This article tries to analyze Japan's soft power in Africa in terms of diplomatic and cultural strategies in Japanese organizations. Furthermore, this article contributes for comparative analysis on the issue of "Asian soft powers in Africa".

Paper long abstract:

As 21st century is occasionally expressed "the century of Asia and Africa", Asian presence has been radically increasing in Africa. Asian emergent countries have been focused in terms of its political and economic influence in Africa from the world. "China in Africa" and "India in Africa" have been the hottest issues of African studies through their economic and diplomatic presence. These issues are talked with some fears in western world, traditional hegemonic actors.

However, it is not sufficient to understand Asia - Africa relations without consideration on non-material factor. Soft power which is assured by hard power becomes more important element to consider Asia - Africa relations. This panel session aims to reflect over "Asian Soft Powers in Africa" to better understand Asia - Africa relationship and look future cooperation between two regions. This panel session tries to analyze soft powers of China, Japan, and South Korea in Africa.

Soft power has not been definitive element in Japan's foreign policy. However, Japan was eager to show its non-material capacity in Africa after Japan became the top donor country in 1990s.

This article tries to analyze Japan's soft power in Africa in terms of diplomatic and cultural strategies in Japanese organizations. Furthermore, this article contributes for comparative analysis on the issue of "Asian soft powers in Africa".