Can pop culture help relations with Russia?

Put aside serious political issues like the disputed northern territories off Hokkaido for now. The Japanese Embassy in Russia has published the first issue of a Russian-language magazine featuring Japanese pop culture, hoping to broaden pro-Japanese sentiment in the country.

By Takashi Sadahiro

Put aside serious political issues like the disputed northern territories off Hokkaido for now. The Japanese Embassy in Russia has published the first issue of a Russian-language magazine featuring Japanese pop culture, hoping to broaden pro-Japanese sentiment in the country.

In contrast to Japan's often stern feelings toward Russia, many Russians like Japan. According to an opinion poll in March, 50 percent of respondents said they were at least moderately interested in Japan. Meanwhile, the interest of Russians tends to lean heavily either toward Japanese cuisine or automobiles.


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