ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines how Japanese cultural policy has developed in response to changing political and economic circumstances from the early 20th century to the present. It examines Cool Japan initiative and the ways in which it has been expected to be a vital cultural device for creating a new image of Japan as a pioneer of soft power, and a political device for improving Japan's self-esteem and reputation for other countries. The Cool Japan initiative can be closely related to principle of nation branding. The chapter locates the effort of nation branding within context of creative city policy in Japan, drawing on an on-going city project, Tokyo Cultural Resources District Vision. It asserts that the Cultural Resources District Vision can be viewed as good speculative case to suggest that crucial elements of lived cultural policy can be brought together to work as practice of re-vitalization of cultural values and a consensus-making process to enhance mutual understanding, collaboration and active participation.
