By; Ali Syarief
By all accounts, Japan stands at the crossroads of deep tradition and rapid modernization. With global brands, Hollywood influences, and tech-driven lifestyles increasingly becoming part of daily life, it’s no surprise that some wonder: Will Japanese culture fade away under globalization?
It’s a fair question—though perhaps not a necessary one.
Cultural anxiety in the face of change is hardly new. But two things are worth remembering: first, change is inevitable. And second, globalization doesn’t always erode culture; sometimes, it sharpens it.
Take Bali, for instance.
Since the mid-1970s, the Indonesian island has been one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Waves of foreign influence have washed over Bali for decades. Did the culture collapse? Did the people abandon their customs to cater to outsiders?
Far from it.
If anything, Balinese culture today is more vibrant than ever. As tourism boomed, so did the local economy. And with more resources in hand, communities had greater capacity to invest in cultural preservation. Temples sprouted in every corner, traditional dances like kecak found new stages, and massive ogoh-ogoh effigies became signature icons of Balinese ceremonial life. The presence of foreign eyes didn’t dilute their traditions—it helped fund their expression.
The same is true in Japan.
Rather than erasing Japanese identity, globalization has catapulted it onto the world stage. Sushi, anime, Zen philosophy, kimonos, and tea ceremonies have become cultural exports that the world now celebrates. International curiosity has fueled domestic pride.
And at home, there are few signs of cultural retreat. Shinto shrines still dot the landscape. Traditional festivals remain crowd-pullers. Even Japan’s youth—once assumed to be drifting away from tradition—are increasingly drawn to cultural heritage as a source of identity in a globalized world.
Tourism has played a role here, too. From Kyoto’s ancient streets to rural villages that bank on heritage tourism, Japanese culture is not just surviving—it’s thriving as an economic asset. In many regions, preserving tradition has become a strategic, and even profitable, choice.
The fear that Japanese culture might vanish is understandable. But it may be missing the point.
Culture doesn’t die because the world changes. It dies when a people stop believing in its value. And so far, Japan is showing no signs of letting go.
If anything, the more the world leans into Japan, the more Japan leans into itself.
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