Japanese Politics Today: From Karaoke to Kabuki Democracy

by Takashi Inoguchi (Editor)

Japanese politics now, with seven prime ministers appointed within this decade and the second major political party turnover taken place within the last two decades, is undergoing a great transition. This book explores the gradual shift from what the editors call karaoke democracy to kabuki democracy.

Genres: Japan

236 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

About the author

Takashi Inoguchi was a Japanese academic researcher of foreign affairs and international and global relationships of states. He was the president of the University of Niigata Prefecture, and a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo.

Reviews

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at Jurong Regional Library (this is one of the places I'll miss). And despite foreboding title, I picked it up for two reasons: a. the cover. b. I'm weird this way.

Just to get things clear, in karaoke democracy, "bureaucrats provided political leaders with scripts on policy statements. Leaders generally rendered those statements as their own and tried to convince voters that they deserved to be returned to power on the basis of their ideas and policies that delivered successful outcomes". What happens is that the bureaucrats are the ones directing policy and despite changing leaders, policy doesn't get changed.

On the other hand, in kabuki democracy, "politics becomes more interesting and colorful because political leaders seek - and bring - change to the political agenda. they have their own distinctive style, and consciously express their human qualities -emotions, personal preferences, and vulnerabilities - to skillfully connect with the people.

But honestly, I still don't quite understand it (there's a very good reason why I don't take political science). But I don't think it matters that much, because other than the introduction, I didn't really see these terms anywhere. What the book covers are topics such as the Prime Minister, the system of the Bureaucrats, Party Politics, the Farm Lobby, Journalism, etc.

Each chapter is like the little bear's porridge and furniture, just right. Any longer and I'll probably ended up with this sort of face:

(@.@)

And any less and I won't understand anything (as opposed to understanding about half of it now).

Although this book is quite hard to understand, I think it's worth reading. Basically, the politics in Japan is quite hard for people like me to understand. At least after reading this book, when I read articles/commentaries about Japan (specifically, its politics), I'll be able to understand just what these experts are talking about better.

(First posted at With Love from Japan, Eustacia )

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome for anyone who has interests in Japanese politics; easy to read and understand. Each chapter talks about different aspects of Japanese politics. At first, I borrowed and read a chapter of this book to finish my assignment, but I ended up buying a copy because I like the content.

Recommended for: IR/political science/public policy students, Japanese aficionado, and people who have interests in politics.