Esports, a digital convergence of mediated sport and entertainment, is now a multimillion-dollar industry globally. Japan is the third largest gaming industry in the world, yet it is currently lagging in terms of global esports presence. Recognising the huge potential from the contribution of esports to its economic growth and importance as a soft power tool, Japan started jumping on the esports bandwagon in recent years, albeit belatedly. There is currently a lack of studies on Japanese esports, much less regarding the contextual environment impacting its esports development. This study seeks to address the knowledge gap of esports policy process and development in Japan, with the aim of examining critical challenges which currently exist in the Japan’s esports development in relation to its slow growth. Through a broadly defined policy network analysis (PNA) framework, this study presents the esports landscape in Japan and identifies the dominant characteristics of its esports policy and network. The formation of network is inevitably linked to its social environment, PNA is applied in combination with the multilevel approach of macro-, meso-, and micro-level analysis to analyse the political, economic, and cultural practices shaping Japan’s esports policy. Through the consideration of the nascent field of esports policy in Japan, this study adds on to the mapping of esports-specific policies and regulations in different states. It also offers scholars and practitioners with an analytical tool through the application of PNA beyond the conventional sporting context to enhance their understanding of the emerging global esports development.

Authors:
Donna Wong, Waseda University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Donna Wong is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Waseda University in Japan

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwon

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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