Japanese Denim From Replica to a Soft Power Resource
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Abstract
This research article explores Japanese denim as a product born from the cultural convergence between the West and the East, which has elevated it beyond the realm of ordinary clothing. Grounded in Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power and employing content analysis as its primary method, the study presents its findings in three key aspects: (1) the identity of Japanese denim, illustrating its uniqueness through distinctive production processes; (2) Cool Japan strategy, a state-led initiative aimed at enhancing the national economy through soft power resources; and (3) denim as an export commodity, demonstrating the global popularity and international recognition of Japanese denim. The findings indicate that Japan has developed its own distinctive form of denim—transforming from replica to authenticity—through the incorporation of local craftsmanship and wisdom. Japanese denim, therefore, is not merely a fashionable garment cherished by global denim enthusiasts, but also a vital instrument of Japan’s soft power, contributing simultaneously to the nation’s cultural appeal and economic advancement.
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