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Thematic Areas: Inclusion and Youth | Digital Transformation | Private Sector Engagement | SDGs and Greening TVET
Our Key Programmes & Projects: BILT: Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET | Building TVET resilience | TVET Leadership Programme | WYSD: World Youth Skills Day | UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative
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Cultural note: TV networks (NHK, NTV, TBS, Fuji, TV Asahi) are highly conservative. Celebrities are often controlled by talent agencies (more below).
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t | |--------|----------| | Learn to use Japanese fan communities (Twitter JP, 5ch, Fanplus) | Post leaks of drama/manga plots – Japanese fans hate spoilers | | Buy official merchandise to support creators | Pirate anime or J-dramas – industry relies on DVD/Blu-ray sales | | Respect seiyuu events – no touching, no shouting during quiet scenes | Ask actors about private life at events | | Learn basic Japanese greetings (thank you, sorry, excuse me) | Assume all J-pop idols sing live – many lip-sync on TV | | Follow official fan club rules (strict but worth it) | Photograph stage actors or inside concert venues |
The "Cool Japan" initiative—a government strategy to monetize cultural exports—has had mixed success. While anime and games sell well, the domestic industry still largely creates for a domestic audience.
However, streaming is changing the game. Netflix and Disney+ have begun co-producing Japanese content, such as Alice in Borderland and the Gundam live-action film. This forces Japanese studios to adapt to international pacing and storytelling structures, often clashing with the slow, ma-heavy domestic style.
The rise of "Korean Wave" (Hallyu) competition has also forced adaptation. While Korea excels at tight, 16-episode romance dramas, Japan is refocusing on what it does best: niche, long-running variety, and animation.