Japan

1
Japan

• Stella Theodoulou

2
Japan

• Second world industrial power (after the US)
• Stable but new democracy (after WWII)
• Liberal and modern, but Non-Western

3
Ancient-history

• 6th century
• One clan centralizes power over many (warrior)
  tribes, and imposes emperor Jimmu.
• Confucianism and Buddhism arrive from China, and
  superimpose to the local Shinto
  faith--syncreticism.
• Development of a traditional feudal society (with
  lords, samuraihereditary warriors, continuos
  wars, serfs).
• Aislationism in the 17th century, Christianity
  was forbidden, as well as Japanese ships to leave
  Japan.

4
Freeing Trade

• In 1853, American Commodore Perry brought to
  Japan a message from the American President
  asking the Japanese to open the country to
  foreign trade.
• The Japanese were forced to sign a treaty on
  trade...
• And many other treaties from that on (on how to
  treat foreigners legally, as well as on tariffs)

5
From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy

• 1868-1911 Meiji Period
• 1889 Imperial (Meiji) Constitution (the Diet was
  in place, but the Emperor and the samurai
  concentrated power and chose the Prime Minister).
• (Victorious) wars with China (1894/5) and Russia
  (1904/5) Japan acquired Taiwan and a part of
  Manchuria. Korea was incorporated in 1910, and
  the military gained power and prestige.
• 1918 A commoner is elected as the Prime Minister
  for the first time, representing the
  Constitutional Party (created since the 1880s)

6
From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy

• Taisho Democracy
• 1925, universal (male) suffrage and
  democratization of the lower house, but... Clause
  confirming the Emperors sovereignty.
• 1930s rise of militarism as a consequence of the
  economic crisis. Puppet civilian
  governmentExpansionismWAR (1937 with China)
• 1940, Alliance with Italy and Germany
• December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbour
• August 1945, use of atomic bombs by the US
• Japanese surrender and acceptance of Postdam.
• US occupation of Japan

7
From Empire to Dictatorship to Liberal Democracy

• 1947 McArthur Constitution (Gral. McArthur, head
  of the occupation forces)
• 1940s Organization of parties (Liberal,
  Socialist)
• Beginning of the economic reorganization of the
  country.
• 1950s
• 1952 San Francisco Treaty (US military bases on
  Japan)
• Japan was turned into an American ally.
• 1955 Beginning of the conservative hegemony
  (emphasis on economic growth and redistribution)
• Strong debates between parties on the right and
  the left about the role and future of Japan
  (riots).

8
The Japanese miracle.

• 9 annual economic growth from 1955 to 1973 (and
  4-5 afterwards).
• In 1970, Japan was the 3rd economy in the world.
• Secrets
• State planning (Take off MITI).
• Long term investments (and expected
  gains)Technology.
• Good conditions for workers/consumers
• Skilled workforce

9
LDPs Hegemony

• From 1945-55 multi-party system
• From 1955 to 1993, the LDP won every general
  election. One-party-dominant-system.
• 1970s Frequent changes in cabinet membership, PM
  resignation, factions.
• End in 1993 coalition of 8 parties
  (liberal/leftist)

10
Japan Politics Today

• Unstable party system (continous formation and
  disintegration of partiesTV)
• Uncertainty about the international role/s Japan
  may have to play
• Increasing disillusionment from politics
• Corruption

11
The Government

• Constitutional monarchy (male Emperor)
• Emperor Akihito (1989) Heisei Era (Peace
  Attained). Years of the eras frame the calendar.
• Unitary State (47 prefectures)
• Parliamentary democracy (Prime Minister/Cabinet)
• (The United Kingdom?)
• (but)
• Written Constitution the MacArthur Constitution
  consecrates the people as the sovereign.

12
Art. 9 Japanese Constitution

• Japan renounced to use military power (in fact,
  Japan has a strong military)

13
The Executive

• Prime Minister (elected by the lower House) may
  submit bills in the name of the cabinet.
• Member of the majority, or representing a
  coalition.
• Commander-in-chief of the defense forces
• Can be removed by votes of no confidence
• Cabinet (most of its members come from the Diet)

14
Legislative

• The Diet (highest organ of government, created in
  1889) Kokkai
• House of Councillors (252, 6 year-term)
• House of Representatives (about 500,
  4-year-term). 11 members are elected through SMD
  representing districts, the rest through PR. It
  has the greater power. Can be dissolved
  (generally every 2 or 3 years)
• The members of both houses are elected
  democratically through suffrage (diff. With the
  UK and Germany)

15
The Judiciary (Unitary System)

• Supreme Court (appointed by the cabinet
  subjected to the peoples approval in the next
  election) has the power of judicial review
• 8 High courts
• 50 District Courts
• 50 Family Courts
• Summary Courts

16
Source McNelly, Theodore, The Government of
Japan,Intro. To Comparative Gvt.
Diet
Election
Dissolution
Legislation
Des. Prime Minister/ No Confidence
Review legislation
People (sovereign)
Administration
Review
Cabinet
Supreme Court
Appointment of judges
Administration of justice
17
The State Bureaucracy

• Prestigious bureaucratic careers (enhanced by the
  Confucian tradition)
• Insulation
• Cabinet members tend to be career politicians
  (and leading politicians frequently come from
  bureaucratic careers)
• Links to corporations

18
Importance of Consensus

• Deliberation councils linked to interest groups
  within the community informally intervene in the
  legislative process (prepare bills)