The Global Forum of Japan(GFJ) has been developing its “Policy Panel” series as a platform to collect, analyze, and disseminate timely and reliable information on regions of strategic importance to Japan. As part of this initiative, the Forum has launched the “Tokyo Panel,” focusing on Japan—particularly Tokyo, one of its principal global cities—as its central theme.
The Panel seeks to examine and analyze Japan’s distinctive and multifaceted appeal, including its rich history and culture; Japanese cuisine and the aesthetic traditions of tableware that complement and elevate it; subcultures such as anime and manga; as well as the changing seasons that shape everyday life. Through these efforts, the Panel aims to communicate its findings continuously to both domestic and international audiences.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan has steadily recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, inbound visitors are estimated to have reached 33.1 million, representing a 31.3% increase compared with 2023. Inbound demand, particularly in the tourism sector, is thus showing a strong and sustained recovery. Moreover, Japanese traditional culture, performing arts, and contemporary cultural exports such as anime have long been highly regarded worldwide. In recent years, a renewed global interest in Japan—amounting to what may be described as a “new Japan boom”—has become increasingly evident.
At the same time, the rapid increase in foreign visitors has brought a range of challenges into sharper focus, including the need for deeper cross-cultural understanding, labor shortages, mounting pressure on infrastructure, and the growing challenge of overtourism. It is equally essential to recognize Japan’s dual character as both a “tourism-oriented nation” and a “disaster-prone nation.” The Noto Peninsula Earthquake of January 1, 2024, caused extensive damage across the Hokuriku region, particularly on the Noto Peninsula, leaving a profound impact on Japanese society. This tragedy followed a series of historically significant disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, whose memory remains deeply embedded in the national consciousness. In addition, 2023 marked the centenary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, while 2024 marked 30 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, underscoring the enduring presence of disaster in Japan’s historical experience.
In the postwar period, Japan rebuilt from devastation with support from the international community, while maintaining a strong commitment to self-help and cooperative engagement with other nations. Throughout its history, Japanese society has cultivated an ethos characterized by resilience, empathy, and respect for others—values that continue to shape its domestic and international conduct. This ethos is reflected not only in social practices but also in the transmission of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, across generations. Landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum stand as enduring symbols of reconstruction and collective memory.
Against this backdrop, there is an increasing need to reassess Japan’s strengths through comparative and multidimensional perspectives, and to articulate—both analytically and strategically—the sources of its enduring appeal.
Based on this recognition, the Tokyo Panel aims not only to encourage the Japanese public to rediscover and reaffirm the value of their own history and culture, but also to identify and elevate Japan’s latent strengths and to communicate them strategically to both domestic and international audiences.
Members
| Leader |
|
WATANABE Mayu Chairman of GFJ |
| Secretary-General |
|
TAKAHATA Yohei President of GFJ |
Recent Activities
