In an unexpected turn during the International Summit FII Priority Asia 2025. The Asian split from the Forum Desert Davos organized by Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister of Japan, , Sanae Takaichi, became the center of world attention by openly invoking his love for anime to persuade investors. At the end of his speech with a phrase taken from the successful manga and anime Attack on Titan, combined with references to other anime giants like one piece and Demon Slayer. Takaichi mixed diplomacy, economy and pop culture in an unusual but effective way to sell confidence in Japan.
His call to invest in Japan under those terms generated headlines (and applause) both on global media and on social networks.
Sanae Takaichi uses otaku culture to attract foreign capital
the intervention of Sanae Takaichi At the summit held at Tokyo On December 1, 2025, he captured the attention of more than a thousand executives, investors and international representatives. At the beginning of his speech, he recognized the enormous attraction of Japanese manga and anime in countries such as Saudi Arabia, mentioning popular titles among his audience. In addition to Attack on Titan, stressed one piece and Demon Slayer.
to close, Sanae Takaichi cited a dramatic line of the protagonist of Attack on Titan. “Just Shut Your Mouths. Invest Everything in Me!” — in Spanish, “Shut up everyone! And bet everything on me!” He then finished off with a clear message. “Japan is back. Invest in Japan.” The unusual, daring and humorous moment caused applause and surprised reactions, and made it clear that the president was betting on an unusual strategy to reconnect with global investors.
Beyond anime in the economic context and urgency of investment
The choice of those words was not just for show. Sanae Takaichi She assumed the position of Prime Minister in October 2025, becoming the first woman to occupy that position in Japan. His government faces the challenge of revitalizing an economy that recently suffered a contraction in the third quarter. During the questions section after her speech, the president emphasized that her administration seeks to increase the potential for economic growth and improve confidence in the country’s fiscal management. through strategic spending and measures to strengthen financial stability.
In addition, the Summit represents a key opportunity. It is the first time that the Forum organized by the Saudi country is held in Japan, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tokyo and riad. In this context, cultural references not only have a symbolic touch: they are part of a broader strategy to highlight Japan as an attractive destination for foreign capital, international cooperation, and strategic alliances.
reactions, mild controversy and cultural power
the play of Sanae Takaichi It has been interpreted as an intelligent use of the Soft Power. Taking advantage of the anime’s global popularity, it projects a renewed image of Japan. Not only as an economic power but also as a center of pop culture, creativity and innovation. Some media describe his phrase as provocative Shut up everyone! And bet everything on me!, and although his intention was not rude. Yes it breaks with the solemn protocols typical of diplomatic discourses.
For many investors present, the moment relaxed the atmosphere, mixed humor with ambition, and provoked a warm reaction. The applause after his call to invest seems to symbolize a gesture of trust or at least curiosity towards the new Japanese strategy. Specialists in international relations and economics agree that this type of cultural resources can open unexpected doors for economic and commercial alliances, especially in markets where Japanese pop culture has great influence (such as the Middle East). Although it is still early to measure its real impact, the bet has already generated global media impact.
