Political Metaphors in Japanese Diplomatic Language

This paper explores the strategic use of political metaphors in Japanese diplomatic language, focusing on how metaphorical expressions serve both cognitive and pragmatic functions in Japan’s foreign policy discourse. These metaphors are not merely linguistic embellishments; rather, they function as essential tools for negotiating meaning, maintaining harmony, and projecting soft power. Through an examination of selected speeches by Japanese political leaders, official statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and bilateral/multilateral communiqués, the study identifies recurrent metaphorical patterns that reflect Japan’s cultural values, underlying ideologies, values, and strategic objectives of a nation’s foreign policy.