Trade Review
"The first three editions (1975, 1982 and 1999) have been essential reading for the last two generations of Japan scholars. The latest, published in 2008, is no exception. This is a masterful display of concise and informative writing and a joy to read." (Japanese Studies, December 2009)
"This clearly written and well-organized volume will continue to be of great service to students of Japanese politics." (Pacific Affairs, Autumn 2009)
"Devoid of jargon, this book is written clearly and crisply, and peppered with wit and wisdom. ... Refreshing and pleasing to hear the voice of an eminent British scholar on Japanese politics in a field dominated by American and Japanese academics." (Japanese Journal of Political Science, 2009)
"Arthur Stockwin ... is the leading British expert on Japanese politics. His analysis is succinct and he has managed to unravel most of the complexities of Japanese politics. There is much food for thought in this stimulating and informative book." (Japan Times)
Table of Contents
General Editor’s Introduction ix
List of Tables x
Maps xii
Conventions xiv
Acknowledgements xv
1 Introduction: Why Japan and its Politics Matter 1
2 Historical Background: Japan’s Emergence as a Modern State and the Politics of War, 1853–1945 12
3 Social Background: How far Social Norms and Behaviour Influence Politics 28
4 Political Reconstruction and Development, 1945–1989 48
5 One Step Forward and One Step Back: Attempting Political Reform in the 1990s 76
6 New Politics for the New Millennium: The Koizumi Effect 101
7 Who Runs Japan? 135
8 Parliament and Parliamentary Elections: The Changing Character of Electioneering 156
9 The Politics of Party: The Liberal Democrats and their Rivals 179
10 Some Problems of the Constitution 202
11 Issues of Domestic Political Concern 224
12 Issues of Foreign Policy and Defence 246
13 Conclusions: The Analytical Challenge of Japanese Politics 265
Appendix 1: House of Representatives election results, 1946–1955 273
Appendix 2: House of Representatives election results, 1958–1972 275
Appendix 3: House of Representatives election results, 1976–1990 276
Appendix 4: House of Representatives election results, 1993–2005 278
Appendix 5: House of Councillors election results, 11 July 2004 280
Appendix 6: House of Councillors election results, 29 July 2007 281
Further Reading 282
Index 289
