5 Most Powerful Asian Countries in 2024

2. Japan

Economic Strength Rank: 2

Military Strength Rank: 3

Political Power Rank: 1

Cultural Influence Rank: 3

Weighted-Average Ranking: 0.58

Next up at second spot is Japan, which is an important player on the world stage due to its economic, military, political, and cultural strength. The country had a GDP of over $4.2 trillion in 2023, and its military is ranked as the seventh best in the world and the third strongest in the continent. According to Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2023, Japan is the most politically influential country in Asia.