Local Power in the Japanese State

Local Power in the Japanese State offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of local government and central-local relations in Japan during a pivotal era of political and administrative change. Originally published in Japanese in 1988, the book contextualizes Japan's governance dynamics through the lens of historical, political, and socio-economic transformations, particularly during the post-war period. It traces how local government systems adapted to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing interdependence between central and local authorities, culminating in significant legislative developments such as the Decentralization Law of 1995. The text provides insights into the tug-of-war between central control and local autonomy, analyzing how these forces shaped the governance landscape in Japan.

The book delves into various theoretical models of local governance, including integrationist frameworks influenced by European systems and the gradual incorporation of separationist elements introduced during the U.S. occupation. It explores how political competition, administrative reforms, and the democratization of local leadership—such as the popular election of governors—fostered a nuanced evolution of local autonomy. By focusing on case studies and firsthand interviews with prefectural leaders, the book reveals the intricate interplay of vertical administrative control and horizontal political competition. Ultimately, Local Power in the Japanese State underscores the resilience of local governance structures amid centralizing pressures, providing a critical perspective on the balance between self-management and central oversight in modern Japan.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1988.