Comparative Analysis of Japanese Governance (Policy-Making) System

Description

Many important policies take a form of budget or law, and budget process or legislative process is one of the critical elements to determine the performance of government.

Japanese economic policy and the policy making process were considered as one of the "Best Practice Model" in the 80's, while it became a target of criticism in the 90's.

Several changes have been made in the policy making process as a political reform and administrative reform, but it is still a hot political issue.

The class proceeds as follows;
1) Overview of the legislative and budget compilation process in Japan: consensus requirement in advisory committee report, in governing party approval, and in Cabinet approval process. (Bureaucracy in the ministry in charge is working as a secretariat)
2) Examination of the rationale and the implication of each element
3) Examination of the role of bureaucrats, ministers, governing party politician, and interest group
4) Comparison with US and UK legislative process (theoretically and through cases)

Lecture, guest lecturer and reports by students

Articles will be provided in th class.

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Course materials

"Legislative Process: Comparative Approach" Olsen
"Parallel Politics", "Iron Triangle and Revolving Door",
"Between MITI and Market"

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Grading

Class participation and final report