The Japanese Political System

1134 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The meiji restoration modernization

From the Meiji Restoration era, democratization efforts were undertaken to modernize Japan. A bicameral system of legislature as well as local, though unelected assemblies were created in the image of the Prussian model (Haddad, 2012, p. 50) and a Constitution placing absolute power with the monarch was formed. Although the main intention of the oligarchs behind the Constitution was to have the national Diet as an advisory body, they "created a series of 'transcendental cabinets' which answered to the Emperor" (Haddad, 2012, p. 50),
Bureaucrats were important tools during this period as they were the people with the knowledge necessary to enable the country to function. .... This importance placed in them stemmed .... As a large component of the mission led by Tomomi Iwakura to learn and bring back the modern, advanced systems in the West which allowed could be used to modernize Japan.... Involved the adoption of the French police system, the American agricultural power and ability as well as modernizing and revolutionizing the way of life (Haddad, 2012, p. 51).... built up the country - tech, banking, factories, etc

The sub-cabinet does not have a legal existence, but for the majority of the time since a cabinet was allowed to be formed, the sub-cabinet, a collection of the top bureaucrats from each ministry (generally the Vice Ministers) and the Chief Cabinet Secretary has existed in some form. It comes together to set policy for their respective ministries in addition to forming a layer which allowed for greater coordination and exchange of information between the bureaucracies and politicians in the Cabinet.

In 2009, when the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) took power, attempts were made to follow through with campa...

... middle of paper ...

... In Building Democracy in Japan (pp. 46-72). Cambridge University Press.
Koellner, P. (2011). The Democratic Party of Japan: Development, Organization and Programmatic Profile . In A. Gaunder (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of Japanese Politics (pp. 24-35). London, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Reed, S. R. (2011). The Liberal Democratic Party: An Explanation of Its Successes and Failures . In A. Gaunder (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of Japanese Politics (pp. 14-23). London, United Kingdom: Routledge .
Stockwin, J. A. Chapter 7: Who Runs Japan? In Governing Japan: Divided Politics in a Resurgent Economy (4th ed., pp. 46-72). London, The United Kingdom: Blackwell.
(2011). Party Politics in Japan. In J. A. Stockwin, T. Inoguchi, & P. Jain (Eds.), Japanese Politics Today: From Karaoke to Kabuki Democracy (pp. 89-107). New York, New York, United States of America: Palgrave Mcmillian.

Show More
Related

  • Essay On What Role Did The West Play In The Downfall Of The Shogunate

    1123 Words  | 3 Pages

    “By 1870, 90% of Japan’s international trade was controlled by Westerners living in Japan.” (Woods, SW. (2004). Japan an Illustrated History (1st Edition). Hippocrene books pg. 111).

    Read More

  • In The Mexican Revolution, The Meiji Restoration, And The Risorgimento

    1019 Words  | 3 Pages

    The goals of the Meiji Restoration included dismantling of the old feudal regime and the creation of a nation-state capable of standing equal among Western powers, including the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the Unites States. The leaders of the Meiji Restoration were mostly young samurai motivated by increasing domestic problems and threats of foreign intrusion. Saigō Takamori was also an influential leader in the Meiji Restoration. He was responsible for leading several rebellions against the government in companionship with samurai warriors and peasants who distrusted the new regime. The citizens of Japan were also, arguably, influential leaders of the Meiji restoration. Under their pressure to insist on the creation of a constitutional government, the government formed a Cabinet system in 1885 and in 1886 began developing the Constitution, which would be presented as a gift from the emperor to the people in 1889 and established a bicameral parliament. Revolutionary tactics from the Meiji Restoration included the development of transportation and communication. Railroads were built, telegraphs connecting major cities, and the institution of a European-style banking system developed. We can clearly recognize differences between the revolutionary tactics of the Meiji Restoration to those in the Mexican Revolution and those in the

    Read More

  • Achievement of the Goals Set Down in the Charter Oath of 1868 by 1895

    623 Words  | 2 Pages

    A representative government came into being in Japan, for the government was headed by the Cabinet and the Lower House was given the power to approve laws and government budget. The Japanese were represented in government eventually, though to what extent could they affect the government policies was not known. Nonetheless, the Constitution did open the way to some popular participation in the government. To establish a central government, th... ...

    Read More

  • Comparing Britain To Japan

    1099 Words  | 3 Pages

    In 1900 Britain was in many respects the world’s leading nation, enjoying a large share of world trade, a dominant position in the international money market, and possessing a far flung empire supported by the world’s most powerful navy. Japan was a complete contrast, sharing with Britain only the fact that it too was a nation of islands lying off the shore of a major continent. Until the 1860s it had possessed a social and economic structure more akin to that of feudal, rather than twentieth century, Europe. By the 1990s, the positions were almost reversed. This paper sets out to examine the contrasting democratic political systems of the two nations and to explore the social and democratic consequences of the changes that have occurred.

    Read More

  • Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbour

    1016 Words  | 3 Pages

    Japan was a country of contradictions in the early 1900's. Her growth in industry was a major factor for influencing her growth of power; whilst at the same time their structure was a very traditional political one. The Japanese Emperor Hirohito was right in the centre of the Japanese government. The emperor made Japan very militaristic and the military had a very strong influence in Japan. Japan's growth in industry had risen greatly since in the preceding 50 years and still it continued to grow.

    Read More

  • Stereotyping of Arab Muslims in the New York Times for the Past Forty Years

    3581 Words  | 8 Pages

    Ogawa, D. (1993) The Japanese of Los Angeles. Journal of Asian and African Studies, v19, pp.142-3.

    Read More

  • Review Of Nakae Chomin's A Discourse By Three Drunkards

    889 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Nakae Chomin’s A Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government, Chomin delineates a discussion between three men; the Gentleman of Western Learning, the Champion of the East, and Master Nankai. For the most part, the book handles the question of Japan’s future, for which each of these men has distinct view on. Although through the amiable and democratic viewpoint of the Gentleman of Western Learning and the belligerent nationalist viewpoint of the Champion of the East, Chomin shows appreciation towards western political theories and understanding of traditional Japanese approach, His personal views are conveyed through the character of Master Nankai.

    Read More

  • Western Influence on Japan

    1060 Words  | 3 Pages

    Japan Where East Meets West, p.48. Works Cited:..

    Read More

  • Weak Corporate Governance Case Study

    2359 Words  | 5 Pages

    Inconsistent and Ineffective Policies: An example of inconsistent policies was in 2010, when Prime Minister Hatoyama of the DJP, deregulated laws passed in 2004 that were put in place by the LDP. Three years later, today, the current Prime Minister Abe of the LDP, has a new and completely different plan to address stagnation. Again, it’s tough to see change when policies are inconsistent. Some policies have been ineffective. An example of an ineffective policies is when Prime Minister Hatoyama addressed the issue of companies hiring temporary workers with planned hiring limits. According to Richard Jerram, chief economist at Macquire Securities (Japan) limited, this policy would only exacerbated the problem. (Sieg, 2010). Another example of an ineffective policy is regulatory forbearance in the 1990’s. These regulations were designed to help ‘struggling’ ...

    Read More

  • Canadian Government

    840 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Cabinet is a group of officials with different responsibility for government. Their duties are called portfolios, and they become a part of the cabinet by being appointed by the prime minister. The Cabinet is very important in many ways. Not only does it propose most of the ideas

    Read More

  • Post Modern Japan Feudal System

    1235 Words  | 3 Pages

    Japan’s rise to a modern state is a unique example of how an Asian country has successfully transitioned from an Asian feudal system to a Western-type modern state flawlessly. When comparing Japan’s modernization with other Asian countries, such as China or Korea, it is impressive to see how an ancient feudal system that repelled all forms of foreign influence for centuries was able to transition into the global powerhouse that it is today, with little resistance. This paper will look at how Japan transitioned from a Feudal system to a modern nation state as well as how the Post-modern state is eroding aspects of the modern state thanks to globalization and outside forces. This paper will look at 1) Japan’s decentralized feudal system and the Tokugawa Shogunate, 2) The modernization of the state during the Meiji period and the evolution of the class system, and 3)

    Read More

  • Attitudes And Values In The Japanese Political Culture Of Japan

    911 Words  | 2 Pages

    Japanese attitude and values inevitably affect how we view, feel and act about things as is exemplified in relation to politics. The functioning of political institutions reflects the attitudes, norms and expectations of citizens. In times of systematic change, a supportive public can facilitate the development of a new political system, while the lack of public support can destroy the foundation of a political system. In order to understand the tendencies for present and future behavior in a nation, we must examine a country's political culture-the public's attitude toward politics and their role within the political system. It is important to recognize that political culture does not explain everything about politics

    Read More

  • The Manchurian Crisis

    960 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...high power status, Japan had to have a self-reliant industrial common ground and be able to move all human and material resources (S,195). Through the Shogun Revolution of 1868, the abolition of Feudalism in 1871, the activation of the national army in 1873, and the assembly of parliament in 1889, the political system of Japan became westernized (Q,3). Local Labor and commercial assistance from the United States and Europe allowed Japan’s industry to bloom into a developed, modern, industrial nation (Q,3). As a consequence production surplus, and food shortage followed (Q,3). Because of how much it relied on aid of western powers, Japan’s strategic position became especially weak. In an attempt to break off slightly from the aid of the west Japanese leaders believed that it would be essential for Japan to expand beyond its borders to obtain necessary raw materials.

    Read More

  • Reflection of Modern East Asia

    895 Words  | 2 Pages

    Our preliminary class gave a brief, yet detailed outline of major events affecting the East Asian region. Within that class, prompted by our limited geographical knowledge of Asia, we were given a fundamental explanation of the geographical locations of the various events taking place in the region. In subsequent classes, we were introduced to the major wars, political shifts, and economic interests which shaped Japan, China and Korea to what they are today. We examined the paradigm of pre-modern Japanese governance, the Shogunate, and the trained warriors which defended lord and land, Samurai. In addition, we examined the socio-economic classes of Medieval Japan, which included the Samurai, peasants, craftsmen, and the merchants. We also examined pre-1945 Japan’s policies toward foreign entities, notably the Sakoku Policy, which sought to expunge all foreign presence and commerce in an effort to protect its borders and culture. 1945, however, saw ...

    Read More

  • Japanese Marriage Essay

    1647 Words  | 4 Pages

    Shan-Loong, M. L. (2000, March 14). Tradition & Change –. Gender Roles in Japan. Retrieved

    Read More

More about The Japanese Political System

Open Document