The Japanese value social consensus. This expresses itself in a society that is regulated by bureaucrats. Many think that this reduces Japan's competitiveness. The issue is how to move from a social democracy to a liberal democracy in a country where individualism is not favored and where group values are emphasized. It is the bureacuracy that has the most power in Japan and that regulates the society.
Bureaucrats think they are superior.
They have few limits placed upon them. They are not accountable and they are often corrupt. One way that some are using around the bureaucracy is by using private think tanks. Life-long employment is a problem. Japanese values do not support firing individuals and this can be costly.