This fourth edition provides an in-depth, up-to-date, chronological analysis of Japan's current political system and the contributions of its leaders. It emphasizes why Japan and its politics matters in a global society.

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• Ideal for college courses on Japanese or comparative politics as well as for those interested in Japanese war memory, constitutional revision, and Japan's relationship with the US, China, and North and South Korea
  
• Investigates the divided aspects existing below the veneer of consensus in Japanese politics
  
• Explores conflicts between power-hungry political groups as well as fundamental differences regarding Japan's constitution, the interpretation of Japanese actions in the Asia-Pacific War, and Japan's place in today's world
  
• Advocates a system that readily permits changes of party in power for the present system dominated by the Liberal Democratic Party
  
• Examines the extreme statements of high profile politicians to determine whether a "nationalist resurgence" in Japan is real or not
  
• Sheds light on the official incompetence and the spectacular rise of civil society following the Kobe earthquake
  
• Features numerous Japanese sources

About the Author
J. A. A. Stockwin received a degree at Oxford in Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 1959 and a doctorate in International Relations from the Australian National University in Canberra in 1965. He taught in the Department of Political Science at the Australian National University until 1981; and was Nissan Professor of Modern Japanese Studies at the University of Oxford from 1982 to 2003. Stockwin remains active in researching and writing on the politics of Japan.

Reviews
"The first three editions (1975, 1982 and 1999) have been essential reading for the last two generations of Japan scholars. The latest, published in 2008, is no exception. This is a masterful display of concise and informative writing and a joy to read." (Japanese Studies, December 2009)

"This clearly written and well-organized volume will continue to be of great service to students of Japanese politics." (Pacific Affairs, Autumn 2009)

"Devoid of jargon, this book is written clearly and crisply, and peppered with wit and wisdom. ... Refreshing and pleasing to hear the voice of an eminent British scholar on Japanese politics in a field dominated by American and Japanese academics." (Japanese Journal of Political Science, 2009)

"Arthur Stockwin ... is the leading British expert on Japanese politics. His analysis is succinct and he has managed to unravel most of the complexities of Japanese politics. There is much food for thought in this stimulating and informative book." (Japan Times)

Book Information
ISBN 9781405154161
Author J. A. A. Stockwin
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 173mm * 26mm