Abstract
Japan serves as a model for integrating cultural industries and the tourism economy, with its deep integration of culture and tourism injecting strong momentum into economic growth and cultural dissemination. This study systematically reviews the concepts and current development status of Japan’s cultural industries and tourism economy, summarizing their integration’s necessity and key trends. Through analysis of typical cases and empirical data, it explores the mainstream models, driving mechanisms, and critical influencing factors of their integration while identifying the main challenges faced in the current development. Based on this, the study proposes specific pathways to promote integration, focusing on industrial chain synergy, cultural intellectual property development, the empowerment of digital technologies, and the innovative combination of traditional culture with modern tourism. Finally, the paper highlights Japan’s successful experiences in urban cultural shaping, regional cultural heritage excavation, and the construction of international cultural tourism models. It also provides practical insights and strategic suggestions for fostering coordinated development between cultural industries and the tourism economy in China, considering its unique national conditions. This study aims to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the deep integration of culture and tourism while exploring feasible pathways for cultural tourism cooperation between China and Japan to promote regional economic growth and cultural innovation.
