The State and Politics in Japan

Politics in Japan is undergoing a major transformation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has, since 2012, embarked upon an ambitious programme of policy reforms as well as changes to Japan’s governing structures and processes. At the heart of this policy agenda is ‘Abenomics’ – a set of measures designed to boost Japan’s flagging economy, but one which is yet to deliver on its promises.

In this fully revised and updated second edition of his classic text, Ian Neary explores the dynamics of democracy in Japan, introducing the key institutions, developments and actors in its politics from the end of the Second World War to the present day. Packed with illustrative material and examples, this comprehensive study traces the continuities and the changes that are underway in five major policy areas: foreign and defence, industry, social welfare, the environment and human rights.

Assuming no prior knowledge of Japan, this textbook will be an invaluable and welcome resource for all students interested in the government and politics of contemporary Japan and its international profile.

Ian Neary is Professor of the Politics of Japan and Fellow of the Nissan Institute and St Antony's College, University of Oxford.

• Contents
• Tables and Figures
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Japanese Politics from Meiji to early Sh wa
• Chapter 2 Japan’s Occupation and aftermath
• Chapter 3 Post-war Politics – the rise and fall of the 1955 system
• Chapter 4 Hosokawa to Abe - from system breakdown to revitalising Japan
• Chapter 5 The Diet: Japan’s parliament
• Chapter 6 Bureaucratic Structures and their Reform
• Chapter 7 Local Government
• Chapter 8 Non-state Actors
• Chapter 9 Foreign and Security Policy
• Chapter 10 Industrial Policy
• Chapter 11 From Pollution Control to an Environment Policy
• Chapter 12 Social Welfare Policies
• Chapter 13 Human Rights
• Conclusion
• Glossary of Abbreviations and Japanese Terms
• List of Names referred to in the text
• References

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