Japanese policymaking
Subtitle: the politics behind politics : informal mechanisms and the making of China policy
By: Quansheng Zhao.
Publisher: Praeger
Published: 1993
Place of publication: Westport, Conn
Language: eng
Number of pages: 230
Subjects: Political culture -- Japan; Pluralism (Social sciences) -- Japan; Japan -- Politics and government -- 1945-; Japan -- Economic policy -- 1945-
Other titles: Japanese policy making.
Description: Japan's policymaking is, given that nation's economic prowess and history, of considerable worldwide interest. Quansheng Zhao makes a highly original and important contribution to an improved understanding of Japanese policymaking processes by examining several informal approaches or mechanisms, which in their interrelationships directly impact policy formulation. He examines kuromaku or the informal organizations or political actors; tsukiai or social connections; and nemawashi or the behind the scenes preparations, and shows their effect on policy through detailed empirical analysis. Four case studies involving Japan's policies toward China offer special, and captivating, insights into Sino-Japanese relations and provide lessons relative to the country's international policies. The highly informed treatment of political institutions, social environments, and political cultures will provide a needed understanding of essential elements affecting the stance Japan takes vis-a-vis other countries.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.