: Themes of nature spirits (yokai) and the cycle of life are prevalent in the works of Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki .

: Nearly 42% of American Gen Z viewers now watch anime weekly. Platforms like

: Massive hits like One Piece , Dragon Ball , and Demon Slayer have turned Japan into an iconic cultural leader [5, 33].

Japan's traditional entertainment culture is also worth noting. Kabuki, a classical form of Japanese theater, has been around since the 17th century. Traditional Japanese performing arts, such as Noh theater and Bunraku, continue to be celebrated and performed today. Sumo wrestling, a centuries-old sport, remains a popular form of entertainment in Japan.