Gradual Institutional Change in Japan: Kantei Leadership under the Abe Administration

This book analyzes the institutional reforms implemented by Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō during his second administration from 2012 to 2020. It explores the evolution of the roles of bureaucrats, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) factions, and backbenchers in Japanese politics and the preconditions for successful gradual institutional change. It demonstrates how the prime minister managed to centralize the decision-making process by appointing ministers, empowering the Cabinet Secretariat, and taking advantage of wider advisory organs. The book offers insights into the long-term perspective of the Abe administration and its impact on decision-making patterns in Japan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound institutional reforms implemented by Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō during his second administration, spanning from 2012 to 2020. It also explores the evolving roles of key actors in Japanese politics, including bureaucrats, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) factions, and backbenchers of the ruling party. The book offers multi-dimensional explanations for the preconditions of successful gradual institutional change in political systems, characterized by strong veto players, rigid governmental structures, and numerous unofficial decision-making rules.

Through innovative utilization of pre-existing policy venues and minor institutional changes in decision-making bodies, the book argues that the prime minister's position was enhanced. Three illustrative case studies are presented to demonstrate how the prime minister successfully centralized the decision-making process. This was achieved through strategic minister appointments, empowering the Cabinet Secretariat, and leveraging wider advisory organs, largely bypassing deliberations on key policies within the ruling party.

These seemingly minor changes resulted in a significant redefinition of decision-making patterns, reflecting the long-term perspective of the Abe administration. Gradual Institutional Change in Japan: Kantei Leadership under the Abe Administration serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to understand the process of successful gradual institutional change, as well as scholars of Japanese studies and political science.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703097