Soft Power in Japanese Foreign Policy in Central Asia

In recent years, Japan has shown interest in Central Asia, seeking to strengthen economic, political and cultural ties with the region. At the same time, Japan prefers to use soft power, including economic assistance, trade, cultural exchanges, education and other mechanisms to achieve its goals in the region. In recent decades, the concept of soft power, introduced into scientific circulation by Joseph Nye, has become widespread in political science. Soft power is a means of influencing other countries and peoples not at the expense of moral and cultural attractiveness, ideas and lifestyle. Japan actively uses soft power in its foreign policy and cultural diplomacy. Japanese culture, technology, education and philosophy have an impact on many countries around the world. This is manifested in investments in the economy and projects for the development of infrastructure, education, health and culture. This helps strengthen business ties, helps promote Japanese culture and values, and improves the socio-economic development of the countries of the region. When the role of external powers in Central Asia is considered, Japan is often not among them — despite the fact that it has a unique advantage that has opened the way to significant success in areas where Tokyo has used it. It is an Asian country that can be integrated with the region; at the same time, it is an economic success story and embodies Western capitalist and democratic values. As a result, Japan can often promote these values more effectively than Western countries, precisely because many Central Asians view Japan as a close country rather than as an outsider. Moreover, since Japan has focused on small “soft power” projects rather than major geopolitical steps, it has generally managed to avoid conflicts with the two largest players in the region - China and the Russian Federation. Japan even maintains cooperative relations with both of these powers, which is welcomed by many in the region itself, while simultaneously advancing its own goals and helping the Central Asian countries move towards a more democratic political system. Hypothesis. Japan is actively developing and using the concept of "soft power" in Central Asian countries to expand its influence in the region and strengthen its economic, political and cultural ties with these countries. The object and subject of the study: The object is the influence of Japan, and the subject is soft power, in the context of its interaction with Central Asia. The purpose of the study. The study of the use of Japan's soft power in the context of its interaction with the countries of Central Asia. Tasks of the work: Studying the concept of soft power in world politics; Consideration of Japan's use of soft power; The study of practical aspects of the use of Japan's soft power in Central Asian countries.