Video Games as Foreign Policy Tools: A Comparative Between Japan and Poland

Authors

  • Putu Radar Bahurekso Graduate Program in Public Policy, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Bukit Dago Utara No. 25, Bandung 40135, Indonesia
  • Sinta Ningrum Graduate Program in Public Policy, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Bukit Dago Utara No. 25, Bandung 40135, Indonesia
  • Dadang Enjat Munajat Graduate Program in Public Policy, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Bukit Dago Utara No. 25, Bandung 40135, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38035/jlph.v5i4.1540

Keywords:

Video Games, Foreign Policy, Soft Power, Japan, Poland

Abstract

This study examines the role of video games as instruments of foreign policy by comparing Japan and Poland. Utilizing a qualitative comparative analysis, it explores how each country has strategically integrated video games into cultural diplomacy and soft power initiatives. Japan’s "Cool Japan" initiative exemplifies long-term state-supported cultural promotion, highlighted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s appearance as Mario at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Poland, on the other hand, leverages its globally successful The Witcher franchise to enhance its cultural footprint, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk gifting The Witcher 2 to President Barack Obama. By analyzing these cases, this research identifies key policy frameworks, institutional support mechanisms, and socio-political contexts that shape the use of video games as tools for national branding and international relations. The findings suggest that government-backed gaming initiatives can significantly influence global perceptions and offer valuable lessons for other nations seeking to utilize their gaming industries for diplomatic and economic gains.

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Published

2025-03-26

How to Cite

Putu Radar Bahurekso, Sinta Ningrum, & Dadang Enjat Munajat. (2025). Video Games as Foreign Policy Tools: A Comparative Between Japan and Poland. Journal of Law, Politic and Humanities, 5(4), 2489–2501. https://doi.org/10.38035/jlph.v5i4.1540

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): (JLPH) Journal of Law, Politic and Humanities

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