Benjamin cares about sharing Japan with the world
Benjamin serves as an official ambassador for the Japanese government’s Cool Japan program. Cool Japan is a longstanding initiative to further strengthen the ties between Japan and its many fans across the globe. He has appeared on a variety of television programs in this role, including NHK’s Tokyo Eye 2020 and Journeys in Japan. In addition, he has written many articles covering the program for publications such as The Japan Times and Studio Ghilbli’s Neppu magazine. He is proud to have his writing featured as part of the curriculum at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies. Benjamin has also participated in and judged numerous tourism and foreign facing events such as a High School English storytelling competition, cosplay events, and manga conventions.
Benjamin visiting the National Diet in Tokyo
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Benjamin cares deeply about sharing the best of what Japan has to offer the world!
Official cool japan ambassador
“Cool Japan is not Cool!” So began the essay in Studio Ghibli’s magazine that began Benjamins journey into the world of Cool Japan. His critical suggestions for improving the program’s effectiveness drew the eyes of prominent government officials, who unexpectedly named him their official ambassador.
Nakano Tourism Ambassador
As a Nakano ward official tourism ambassadors, Benjamin promotes Tokyo’s finest neighborhood to its fans around Tokyo, Japan and the world. He is always excited to invite newcomers to come be a part of Nakano’s magic. He often participates in promotional events to share the magic of Nakano with the world.
Frank and honest perspective
Benjamin loves sharing his thoughts with audiences about how Japan is perceived by the global community and ways the country could market itself to its legions of international fans. While most people think Japan is cool, the country’s official messaging is often lacking. Benjamin believes it’s important to talk about these issues frankly with stakeholders inside and outside of Japan.
Tourism initiatives
Benjamin is proud to be trusted by institutions across Japan when it comes to getting tourism promotion right. In the past he has collaborated with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau to refine marketing to tourists, such as its campaign in Aomori. He is currently working with officials to translate historical signs and markers at temples around Greater Tokyo. He has also been a key advisor in creating iconography and signage for other areas.
Benjamin at the Nagoya Totoro house
Descriptive signs and web content for tourists that Benjamin worked on
Benjamin loves talking about Japan and sharing his experience.
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What’s Cool Japan?
The term "Cool Japan," or クールジャパン in Japanese, refers to aspects of Japanese culture that suddenly become popular overseas. Famous examples include the video game boom of the 80s, the anime boom of the late 90s, and Japan's rise as an international tourism destination in the 2010s. The Japanese government has created multiple Cool Japan programs and initiatives to spread awareness of Japan's culture abroad, and Benjamin has served as one of Japan's official Cool Japan Ambassadors since 2016.