Core Viewpoint - The proposal by the U.S. President to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced abroad is accelerating the decline of American cultural influence, while Asian content creators are rising to fill the void [1][3]. Group 1: Tariff Proposal and Its Implications - The tariff proposal, initially announced in May, caused a 5% drop in entertainment stocks [1]. - The U.S. film industry generated a trade surplus of $15.3 billion in 2023, highlighting the importance of the entertainment sector in global trade [3]. - The entertainment industry contributes significantly to U.S. soft power, with global box office spending accounting for only 1% of total entertainment revenue [3]. Group 2: Challenges Facing the U.S. Film Industry - The real challenges for the U.S. film industry stem from rising production costs, with Los Angeles studio costs being 30% to 50% higher than those in Toronto, London, or Budapest [4]. - Approximately 18,000 film production jobs have moved overseas due to companies seeking lower costs and tax incentives [4]. - The entertainment industry is a key source of U.S. influence, with Hollywood's contribution to spreading American values being more impactful than military power [4]. Group 3: Rise of Asian Content - The proposal for movie tariffs may hasten the end of the U.S. dominance in the global entertainment sector, as Asian countries capitalize on this opportunity [5]. - Korean dramas have gained significant recognition, with 11 entries in Netflix's top 100 global shows by 2025 [5]. - The success of films like "Parasite," which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2020, reflects the increasing acceptance of Asian narratives globally [5].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's cultural output lacks a strategic approach, hindering its ability to leverage its rich cultural assets for global influence, unlike South Korea which has successfully positioned culture as a core strategic asset [1][2][3] Group 1: Comparison with South Korea - South Korea has transformed from a niche cultural exporter to a cultural superpower over the past 20 years, excelling in music, film, and fashion [1][2] - The South Korean government supports cultural industries through coordinated investment, talent development, and marketing, fostering a culture of risk-taking and long-term planning [2] - Korean dramas contributed $8 billion in streaming revenue to Netflix from 2020 to 2024, showcasing the economic impact of cultural exports [2] Group 2: Japan's Cultural Strategy - Japan possesses significant cultural capital, with globally recognized anime, games, fashion, and cuisine, yet fails to translate this into global influence due to a lack of cohesive strategy [1][2] - The Japanese cultural strategy is fragmented, with media and content policies dispersed across various institutions and dominated by traditional interest groups [2] - Young Japanese creatives face challenges such as low income, long working hours, and limited career advancement, which discourages talent retention in the creative sector [2] Group 3: Recommendations for Japan - Japan should integrate soft power with economic development, improve labor conditions in the creative sector, and modernize export and copyright infrastructure [3] - Learning from successful neighboring countries can empower Japan to enhance its cultural strategy and global presence [3] - A strategic approach that aligns with Japan's cultural assets is essential for future growth and influence [3]