The ‘Cool Japan’ program, launched by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) with the aim to endorse the nation's unique cultural exports across the globe, is reportedly being abolished. This decision comes after years of evaluations and assessments of the program's effectiveness and relevance. No official timeline for the termination is announced yet. The reasons behind this decision are still unclear, but this could have substantial implications for Japan's cultural export sector.

The 'Cool Japan' program was a significant national branding project aimed at enriching Japan's reputation globally, leveraging its image beyond manufacturing and economics to include popular culture. The decision to end it might reflect a broader shift in government spending strategies or a reconsideration of how to effectively promote the country's cultural values and products internationally.

Similar efforts such as 'Creative Britain' in the UK or 'Brand USA' in the US have had varying degrees of success. It may be seen as an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of such initiatives and reallocate resources more efficiently.