Japanese culture is capturing increased attention in Russia, creating a surge in visa applications seen at Japanese embassies. As highlighted by the long queues and increased demand, a growing number of Russian citizens are showing interest in visiting the island nation, reflecting the resonating popularity of Japanese culture abroad. The phenomenon touches various sectors, from anime and J-pop to food and technology, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding between the two nations.

In Japan, this surge in popularity is viewed positively as it contributes to the country's tourism industry and overall global image. The nation's culture, from traditional art and food to modern entertainment like anime, is a significant soft power, and increased international interest further affirms this. However, the increased demand also strains the visa processing capabilities, prompting a need for effective policy responses.

In the US or EU, visa applications to popular countries often face similar strains during peak periods of interest. However, these nations have robust digital infrastructures and visa exemption agreements to manage the influx. The current situation in Japan mirrors such challenges, suggesting the need for more streamlined approaches to visa processing.