Blog – Page 15 – Diplomacy & Business

Asian Cultural Power Reshapes the Global Luxury Landscape in 2026

03

Mar

Luxury

Asian Cultural Power Reshapes the Global Luxury Landscape in 2026

The global luxury sector is witnessing a definitive transformation as Asian A-listers, led by K-pop icons such as BTS’s Jungkook and Blackpink’s Lisa, emerge as the primary engines of brand prestige. In 2026, these celebrities have moved beyond traditional endorsements to become the central architects of high-end marketing strategies. Their unparalleled digital reach and cultural resonance have turned them into indispensable assets for legacy houses seeking to maintain relevance in a hyper-connected and increasingly diverse global marketplace. Recognizing this shift, premium brands including Chanel, Bvlgari, and Shiseido are aggressively reinforcing their investments across the Asian continent. These strategic pivots are…

Antonio López: “Leadership is not imposed by rank; it is chosen by the team”

02

Mar

By Josep Solano

Interview

Antonio López: “Leadership is not imposed by rank; it is chosen by the team”

Antonio López is not the typical buttoned-up executive one might expect to find at the helm of a Japanese multinational. Although he currently leads Nissan’s global marketing and product strategy from Yokohama, his personal compass remains firmly tuned to the Atlantic. A dedicated surfer, López brings the fluid agility of the Basque coast to the rigid, "zero-risk" discipline of Japanese corporate culture. This unique hybrid perspective is now driving Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’—a radical roadmap toward 100% electrification in Europe. From managing a £3 billion EV ecosystem in Sunderland to overseeing a strategic supplier network that still relies heavily on the…

Toshinori Tanaka: “There is a virtue of mutual respect that many visitors are failing to grasp”

02

Feb

By Josep Solano

Interview

Toshinori Tanaka: “There is a virtue of mutual respect that many visitors are failing to grasp”

Two decades ago, tiny Andorra in Europe received double visitors than Japan. Today, the roles have shifted: as Japan surpasses 33 million annual visitors and sets its sights on 60 million by 2030, and now the Mediterranean coast is confronting the social and physical limits of its model. This contrast illustrates Japan's pivot toward tourism as a cornerstone of its economic and diplomatic strategy. However, beneath the soaring numbers lies a profound challenge. Faced with an unprecedented demographic decline and a shrinking workforce, Japan increasingly relies on foreign spending to keep local economies—particularly in rural areas—alive. Toshinori Tanaka, Associate Professor…

05

Jan

By Diplomacy and Business

Editorial

Founding Manifesto

Diplomacy and Business: The premium media partner for Japan’s diplomatic and corporate community In a world defined by interdependence, influence no longer resides solely in capitals or boardrooms, but in the connections between them. Diplomacy and business are no longer parallel spheres: they are deeply intertwined ecosystems shaping the global order in real time. Yet, in Japan, these worlds often remain fragmented, operating in proximity but rarely in true dialogue. Diplomacy and Business is founded on a simple yet ambitious premise: that better information, sharper insight, and stronger visibility across these communities can foster more meaningful relationships, better decisions, and…