INTERCULTURAL ARTS PROGRAMS: ASSISTING THE TRANSITION FROM HOMOGENEOUS TO MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Globalization and a growing multicultural population have placed Japan in a challenging transition from a homogeneous to a culturally diverse society. This requires citizens and policy makers to rethink the significance of cultural diversity within the country as it sheds light on “domestic” aspects of cultural diplomacy. This study answers the following questions: What is the status of existing intercultural arts projects addressing domestic cultural diversity in Japan? How is other country which has been perceived as a mono-cultural society tackling increasing cultural diversity within the countries using intercultural arts programs? How might the principles and theories of cultural diplomacy (international cultural exchange) be applied in addressing domestic cultural diversity? How might Japan better address cultural diversity within the country building on these theories and findings? A qualitative approach was applied, including literature review, comparative analysis of cases in Japan and Denmark, including interviews with organizers of intercultural arts projects addressing domestic cultural diversity. Finally, the paper suggests that the successful integration of strategies for cultural diversity, cultural diplomacy, domestic cultural exchange, and the arts could lead to a more peaceful society both within and outside Japan.