This volume takes a comparative approach to Japanese politics, covering topics such as political parties and elections, civil society, bureaucracy, and foreign relations. Grounded in a discussion of democracy's historical development since the Meiji period, each chapter encourages readers to think critically and comparatively about political processes and their outcomes, situating Japan regionally and as a wealthy, democratic nation. The goal is to offer students of government insight into how democracy works-and doesn't, for that matter-and can illustrate the fact that strengthening democratic institutions is an ongoing struggle throughout much of the world, including Japan.
By:
Lauren Mckee
Imprint: Association for Asian Studies
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 228mm,
Width: 166mm,
Spine: 8mm
Weight: 194g
ISBN: 9781952636356
ISBN 10: 1952636353
Pages: 132
Publication Date: 20 April 2023
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction: Why Japan? 1: Political Foundations, the Tokugawa Period, Meiji Reforms, Democratic Roots Early Japan, the Emergence of Shoguns, and the Tokugawa Period The Meiji Restoration and the Creation of a Modern Japanese State The Meiji Constitution and “Taisho Democracy” From Imperialism to Post-World War II Democracy 2: Postwar Political Reforms and the Remaking of Japanese Democracy Drafting a New Constitution US-Japan Security Treaty Constitution and Treaty Controversies 3: Branches of Government, Political Parties, Elections Judicial Branch Executive and Legislative Branches: The Prime Minister and the Diet Political Parties Elections and Electoral Reform Local Elections Electoral Regulations Voting and Running for Office Critiques of the Party System 4: The Bureaucracy The Ministry of International Trade and Industry The Ministry of Finance 5: Civil Society and Political Participation Civil Society Mass Media Citizen Protests Common Political Issues 6: Defense and Foreign Relations US-Japan Mutual Security Treaty The Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs Regional Relations 7: Conclusions and Looking Ahead Notes Glossary Bibliography Resources for Further Study
Lauren McKee is Associate Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies at Berea College.
