The diffusion of Japanese culture and its industries: a Catalan perspective

Abstract

The Japanese popular culture has experimented a global success since the end of the 20th century, propelled by its cultural industries, with manga and anime as the leading examples. After more than two decades active, the phenomenon does not show any sign of weakness, but instead it seems to stay on the rise, stronger than ever. In Catalonia it appeared with an unquestionable vigor, having an impact on its geographic reality. This article addresses from the theories discussed by the researchers of the Japanese cultural industries, to the specific case of Catalonia during the recent years from an empirical perspective, without forgetting the history of the Japanese culture diffusion in the country. The cultural power of Japan and the nature of its products are discussed. Additionally, the case of the Japanophile community in Catalonia is explained, highlighting the role of local agents in the early stages of the phenomenon.

Keywords: Japanese popular culture, cultural industries, cultural flows, manganime, japanophilia.