L. Y. Asmaningrum 

International Relation Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember, Jember, East Java, Indonesia 

A. Trihartono 

International Relation Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Jember, Jember, East Java, Indonesia 

D. Ismail 

Cordoba Islam University, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia 

DOI: 

ABSTRACT 

This study investigates the role of cosplay as an instrument of Japan’s soft power within a local community context in Indonesia. The research addresses two central questions: whether knowledge influences the perception of cosplay as a form of soft power, and how this perception is connected to the construction of local cultural identity. While Japan’s Cool Japan strategy has been widely studied at the macro level of international relations, limited attention has been given to how such cultural diplomacy is perceived and internalized at the community level. Employing a quantitative explanatory design, data were collected from 108 respondents in the cosplay community of Jember through a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression and path analysis were applied to examine the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate that knowledge significantly affects perceptions of cosplay as Japan’s soft power. Furthermore, cosplay as soft power contributes to the formation of local cultural identity. However, knowledge does not directly influence identity, indicating that cosplay functions as a mediating variable. Despite these significant findings, the model exhibits a relatively low explanatory power, suggesting that other external factors, such as global media exposure, cultural competition, and generational identity also shape the outcomes. This research contributes to the literature by providing a micro-level, quantitative perspective on cultural diplomacy. The findings emphasize the importance of experiential cultural practices, such as cosplay, in shaping identity and enhancing Japan’s influence in the multipolar era.                                   

Keywords: Pop Culture, Soft Power, Cosplay, Cultural Diplomacy, Jember Regency