Japan’s Soft Power through Doraemon: Story of Seasons in Enhancing Japan’s National Image

This study examines the role of the game Doraemon: Story of Seasons as Japans soft power in enhancing the country’s national image. This game, which combines the iconic Doraemon character with the Story of Seasons gameplay concept, presents a rich narrative and cultural elements. Through the semiotics analysis approach proposed by Roland Gérard Barthes — including sign, signifier, signified — this research explores how Japanese cultural representation is conveyed and received by global players through theme, plot, characterization, setting, and point of view. The study’s findings show that this game is not only a means of entertainment but also effectively introduces traditional values, aesthetics, and the Japanese lifestyle. Thus, Doraemon: Story of Seasons makes a positive contribution to strengthening Japan’s national image on the international stage through narrative-based cultural diplomacy.