A Changing of the Guard in Japan
Can the Democratic Party of Japan Change Japanese Bureacracy?
Jul 8, 2009
Politics in Japan has long been defined by several characteristics: ponderous bureaucracy, a strong business lobby, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). With the exception of six months, the LDP has been the ruling political party for the past 53 years. Under the LDP Japan experienced astonishing economic growth and recovery coming out of World War II and became a model for development among Asian states. The LDP also cultivated closer ties with the United States, helping to forge one of the strongest alliances in the international arena.
However, the LDP also presided over Japan’s financial collapse and the Lost Decade of the 1990s, and has struggled to restore Japan to its former, formidable rate of economic growth. Additionally the LDP has failed to deliver consistent party leadership since Junichiro Koizumi, who held the office of Prime Minister from 2001—2006. Since 2006, Shinzo Abe, Yasuo Fukuda, and Taro Aso have all been appointed Prime Minster.
An Opportunity for the DPJ
Aso, the current Prime Minister, seems positioned to suffer a similar fate as his predecessors, facing sharply declining public support. This time, however, the LDP risks losing more than just another leader. In the face of economic woes and public discontent, the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has mounted a strong offense and looks poised to win control of the government in the next election, tentatively slated for July 20. The DPJ has capitalized on recent charges of corruption against LDP politicians and officials to build momentum against the ruling party. While these attacks may be useful in harming the image of the LDP, the DPJ is frequently criticized for similar behavior. Yet though the Japanese population as a whole is becoming increasingly disillusioned with its politicians, the DPJ is seen as a potential alternative to the time-tested policies of the LDP.
DPJ vs. the Bureaucracy
The DPJ supports the development of a stronger military and less reliance on the United States to provide a security umbrella. A military that is capable of actions beyond self-defense is frequently interpreted to be against Article IX of Japan’s constitution, which designates Japan’s standing in the world order as a pacifist state. Thus, the DPJ has actively campaigned to amend the constitution. The political landscape in Japan is complex with many political parties and factions working with and against each other to achieve desired political goals. Though several parties support a constitutional amendment, there are many that oppose it. Consequently, the DPJ may find it difficult to build a coalition of political parties to succeed in passing significant constitutional reform. Furthermore, the entrenchment of the bureaucratic system in Japanese politics the question remains whether the DPJ can push through dramatic policy or structural changes.
Traditionally, Japan’s government is slow to arrive at decisions and slow to change. This has had provided the benefit of a stable political backdrop for economic growth, but has also rendered the government incapable of delivering quick aid or decisions in a time of crisis. With over 50 years of a set political system, it seems that even with a change in leadership Japan is will not result in dramatic changes in policy or procedure.
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