Challenges and Opportunities of Japan’s Pop Culture Export in the Context of Globalization: Example of Virtual Idols

Lirun Zhu

2025

Abstract

The global influence of Japan's virtual idols has garnered significant attention, yet existing studies lack empirical depth and dynamic analysis of their cross-cultural adaptability and socio-technological implications. This essay examines the challenges and opportunities facing Japan's virtual idol exports in the context of globalization. Key findings reveal that cultural barriers, critiques of consumerism and gender objectification, and rising global competition pose critical challenges. Conversely, technological innovations and strategic cultural diplomacy under Japan's "Cool Japan" initiative enable virtual idols to transcend geographical boundaries and serve as soft power tools. To enhance cultural exports, it is recommended that nations integrate localized cultural elements with global trends, leverage participatory fan cultures, and adopt adaptive technological frameworks. This essay underscores the necessity of balancing cultural authenticity with technological advancement to navigate the complexities of global cultural markets effectively.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Zhu L. (2025). Challenges and Opportunities of Japan’s Pop Culture Export in the Context of Globalization: Example of Virtual Idols. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Public Relations and Media Communication - Volume 1: PRMC; ISBN 978-989-758-778-8, SciTePress, pages 208-212. DOI: 10.5220/0013988600004916

in Bibtex Style

@conference{prmc25,
author={Lirun Zhu},
title={Challenges and Opportunities of Japan’s Pop Culture Export in the Context of Globalization: Example of Virtual Idols},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Public Relations and Media Communication - Volume 1: PRMC},
year={2025},
pages={208-212},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013988600004916},
isbn={978-989-758-778-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Public Relations and Media Communication - Volume 1: PRMC
TI - Challenges and Opportunities of Japan’s Pop Culture Export in the Context of Globalization: Example of Virtual Idols
SN - 978-989-758-778-8
AU - Zhu L.
PY - 2025
SP - 208
EP - 212
DO - 10.5220/0013988600004916
PB - SciTePress