Governing Japan

by J.A.A. Stockwin

The third edition of Governing Japan provides a comprehensive introduction to Japanese political institutions, processes and culture, taking account of the remarkable changes of recent years.

Genres: Japan, Political Science, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 1999

Reviews

[rafael]

I begin this review with a reminder-cum-appeal: Please stop idealizing and romanticizing Japan.

I’ve said something similar before, but it really bears repeating. I know you love anime (and probably think ‘Your Name’ was the shit and that anything Ghibli--despite Miyazaki’s abusive behavior--is awesome). Rightfully so. You probably also love Japanese food and think their public transportation system is the envy of the world. In many respects, yes, there’s some truth there too. Perhaps you’ve fawned over how so many Japanese people are just so damn kind and accommodating. That’s mostly the case as well, especially if you’re a tourist (bonus points if you’re white and/or Anglo-American).

But really though, any blind, blanket praise of Japan is weaponized by the LDP--the conservative ruling party--to quell any dissent from progressive domestic voices. The net effect is, unfortunately, the durability of ethno-nationalism, ingrained sexism, casual racism, a growing affinity for historical revisionism, and the all-too-frequent pronouncements to the tune of “oh, you’ll never understand our culture since it’s so unique and you’re not one of us.”

If you are to praise Japan, please do so as you would any other society--by not generalizing and instead focusing on the individuals and groups fighting for genuine democratic and social justice. The student activist group SEALDs comes to mind. Having said that, I do not mean to say that all of Japan is like the conservative ruling party. Of course not. Rather, there is a need to be aware of how the LDP is so skilled at controlling public sentiment and manufacturing consent. More and more people should hold those in power to account. Reading about Japanese history and politics (especially in the postwar period) definitely helps in that regard.

So yeah, Stockwin’s monograph on the development of the (more or less) current Japanese political landscape is as authoritative as you can get in the English language. In my view, this is right up there with Dower’s “Embracing Defeat” as a seminal (non-local) resource on Japanese culture and society. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone wanting a more rounded and in-depth view of the country.

[Yalin]

Stockwin's work is quite insightful and informative about the history and current status of Japanese politics, especially in the post-war period. It is also backed up by an interesting range of data and figures, which are useful to the interested reader. One shortcoming of the book, this being the fourth edition which only comes up to the end of Abe's first stint, is that by now it is in need of an updated fifth edition. Overall, this is still a good reading for those interested in Japanese politics.

[Mbuyi]

It gives me the role of Japanese politics as well as the political parties in the country. It also talks about the important treats Japan has had in the history.