Changing Politics in Japan

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Political Parties
Cover of the book Changing Politics in Japan by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel ISBN: 9780801457630
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
ISBN: 9780801457630
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

Changing Politics in Japan is a fresh and insightful account of the profound changes that have shaken up the Japanese political system and transformed it almost beyond recognition in the last couple of decades. Ikuo Kabashima—a former professor who is now Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture—and Gill Steel outline the basic features of politics in postwar Japan in an accessible and engaging manner. They focus on the dynamic relationship between voters and elected or nonelected officials and describe the shifts that have occurred in how voters respond to or control political elites and how officials both respond to, and attempt to influence, voters. The authors return time and again to the theme of changes in representation and accountability.

Kabashima and Steel set out to demolish the still prevalent myth that Japanese politics are a stagnant set of entrenched systems and interests that are fundamentally undemocratic. In its place, they reveal a lively and dynamic democracy, in which politicians and parties are increasingly listening to and responding to citizens' needs and interests and the media and other actors play a substantial role in keeping democratic accountability alive and healthy. Kabashima and Steel describe how all the political parties in Japan have adapted the ways in which they attempt to organize and channel votes and argue that contrary to many journalistic stereotypes the government is increasingly acting in the "the interests of citizens"—the median voter's preferences.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Changing Politics in Japan is a fresh and insightful account of the profound changes that have shaken up the Japanese political system and transformed it almost beyond recognition in the last couple of decades. Ikuo Kabashima—a former professor who is now Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture—and Gill Steel outline the basic features of politics in postwar Japan in an accessible and engaging manner. They focus on the dynamic relationship between voters and elected or nonelected officials and describe the shifts that have occurred in how voters respond to or control political elites and how officials both respond to, and attempt to influence, voters. The authors return time and again to the theme of changes in representation and accountability.

Kabashima and Steel set out to demolish the still prevalent myth that Japanese politics are a stagnant set of entrenched systems and interests that are fundamentally undemocratic. In its place, they reveal a lively and dynamic democracy, in which politicians and parties are increasingly listening to and responding to citizens' needs and interests and the media and other actors play a substantial role in keeping democratic accountability alive and healthy. Kabashima and Steel describe how all the political parties in Japan have adapted the ways in which they attempt to organize and channel votes and argue that contrary to many journalistic stereotypes the government is increasingly acting in the "the interests of citizens"—the median voter's preferences.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book The Morning Breaks by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Fast Tanks and Heavy Bombers by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Out of Oakland by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Transcending Capitalism by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Victory's Shadow by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Solidarity Transformed by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book The End of Satisfaction by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Before the Gregorian Reform by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Islam in the World Today by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book The Life Informatic by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Walking on Fire by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Cooperation under Fire by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Radicals on the Road by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book The Authority Trap by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
Cover of the book Brothers in Arms by Ikuo Kabashima, Gill Steel
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy