Japan's Policy Research Articles

Public Approval of Water Concessions Policy in Japan: A Probit Model Analysis of Key Influencing Factors

Public Approval of Water Concessions Policy in Japan: A Probit Model Analysis of Key Influencing Factors

A Study on the Theoretical System of Strategic Trade Policy and the Choice of Japan's Strategic Trade Policy after the World War II (1945-1990)

After the World War II, Japan established and implemented strategic trade policy and succeeded in recovering its economy. On the basis of literature review, this thesis sorts out three traditional trade theories and analyzes the strategic trade policies implemented by Japan in different historical stages in combination with the study of Japan's strategic trade theories, and points out their strategic objectives, specific measurements and influence. It makes up for the lack of systematic and comprehensive explanation and argumentation of national conditions analysis, strategic objectives and relevant specific measures, including the impact of external environment in the existing literature. By comparing with the western countries, the paper summarizes four characteristics of Japan's strategic trade policy to promote the leap of Japanese economy: in the early stage, it made full use of the support and utilization of the United States; In the early and middle period, trade protectionism was established; In the medium term, it gradually opened up and Japan's international influence enhanced. In the middle and late period, Japan succeeded in transforming in the obstacle, and it promoted the upgrading of Japan's industrial structure, so that it can compete with developed countries. The experience of strategic trade policy with Japanese characteristics can be used as reference for China from two aspects: timely adjustment of trade policy and emphasis on science and technology.

Meta-Morphosis of Copyright and User-Generated Content: Can East Asia’s Emerging Policies Navigate through the Metaverse?

Abstract Social-creative metaverses, which foster user creativity and encourage user-generated content, promise a revolution in digital creativity. However, metaverse developers often enforce strict regulations on user-generated content through user terms and conditions, restricting or permitting its reuse. These rules place an artificial barrier between users and their copyright, often waiving moral rights and making economic rights subject to mandatory licences. Using Second Life as a case study, this article demonstrates how metaverse regulations undermine users’ intellectual property rights and control over their creations. Furthermore, it examines emerging intellectual property policies in Japan, South Korea, and China, noting a lack of awareness regarding the impact of these regulatory layers on user creativity. Highlighting the importance of the external regulation of user terms and conditions, the article proposes potential policies and strategies for East Asia and beyond to protect users’ copyright ownership and mitigate the negative effects of restrictive metaverse terms and conditions.

Energy knowledge and public response to restarting nuclear plants in Japan following the fukushima accident

Since the Fukushima accident, Japan's nuclear policy has changed dramatically. However, restarting operations of some reactors has become an option for the government. This study focuses on the role of objective knowledge and, for the first time, develops statements for measuring people's accurate factual judgments and reflecting on energy issues in post-Fukushima Japan. Replies of two surveys conducted in the Kansai region were analyzed. From them, it was observed that having objective knowledge was positively associated with holding a favorable opinion rather than an ambiguous opinion toward restarting the plants, and association differences existed between subjective and objective knowledge.

Japan's Security Restoration: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Directions

ObjectivesThis study examines Japan's security policy evolution from post-World War II pacifism to its current assertive stance, analyzing historical context, key drivers, and challenges. It focuses on shifts under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, exploring implications for regional stability and international relations, including the U.S.-Japan alliance and emerging security threats.MethodsThe research employs a qualitative approach, combining comprehensive literature review with multiple theoretical frameworks (neorealism, constructivism, securitization theory, alliance theory). It incorporates historical and comparative analyses to contextualize Japan's security posture within regional dynamics.ResultsJapan's security policy has transformed significantly, driven by China's military modernization, North Korea's nuclear program, changing regional dynamics, and evolving U.S.-Japan alliance expectations. Key reforms include constitutional reinterpretation allowing limited collective self-defense, establishing the National Security Council, increased defense spending, and enhanced multi-domain military capabilities. Challenges persist in balancing security needs with constitutional constraints and managing regional relationships.ConclusionsJapan's security restoration marks a profound shift, balancing proactive defense with pacifist principles. This evolution impacts regional stability and the U.S.-Japan alliance, positioning Japan as a key player in maintaining peace while raising some neighbors' concerns. Japan's path forward requires a delicate equilibrium between enhancing military capabilities and prioritizing diplomacy and economic cooperation. Success depends on navigating historical legacies, fostering domestic consensus, and adeptly maneuvering through complex international imperatives in an increasingly challenging security environment.

Accounting Policy Changes and Firm Debts: Evidence ⁠from Japan

Using 86 accounting policy changes made by Nikkei-225 Japanese firms, this study examines the correlation between the probability of making accounting policy changes and debt. After controlling other motives for accounting policy changes, we find that a high amount of debt is negatively correlated with the probability of making accounting policy changes, which contradicts the debt-covenant hypothesis. This result suggests that Japanese firms with large amounts of debt do not need to make accounting policy changes to avoid debt-covenant violations because banks within their groups play significant roles in controlling and monitoring their operations. Our findings are consistent with the argument by Inoue and Thomas (1996) – factors that affect the choice of accounting policy in the US may not similarly affect the choice of accounting policy in Japan. We find that the current return on equity and prior year’s return on assets to be negative determinants of the accounting policy changes, and current return on assets and prior year’s change in return on equity are positive determinants. Finally, we find that firms that make accounting policy changes tend to be the ones receiving qualified audit opinions.

The impact of financial incentives promoting biosimilar products in oncology: A quasi-experimental study using administrative data.

Biosimilars have the potential to save a significant amount of money in cancer treatment costs. However, barriers exist in the adoption of biosimilar products. Japan introduced a new health policy in 2022 to promote the use of biosimilars in oncology by offering financial incentives to eligible hospitals. This study aims to examine the association between these financial incentives and prescription patterns. The study analyzed Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) data to assess the impact of the new health policy on the use of biosimilar products in oncology. The policy provided an additional fee for hospitals using biosimilar products. The study included patients with specific types of cancer and analyzed the proportion of monthly biosimilar prescriptions using the number of prescriptions of reference and biosimilar products. A generalized synthetic control method was used for analysis. From April 2020 to March 2023, the study involved 27,737 patients in 114 hospitals, with 63 eligible hospitals receiving financial incentives. The average number of prescriptions of the drugs (rituximab, trastuzumab, and bevacizumab) increased gradually in both eligible and ineligible hospitals. The financial incentives were associated with a significant increase in the proportion of biosimilar product prescriptions, with a monthly increase of 0.092 per month (95% CI, 0.040-0.145) [9.2%, 95% CI, 4.0-14.5] compared to ineligible hospitals. Our study indicates that providing financial incentives to hospitals to utilize biosimilar products increased their prescriptions. Japan's recent health policy of moderate financial incentives is an effective approach to increasing prescriptions of biosimilar products.

Comparative Approaches to Energy Transition: Policy Guideline for Enhancing Thailand’s Path to a Low-Carbon Economy

Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy faces significant challenges, including a dependency on fossil fuels, fluctuating energy costs, and limited policy clarity. This study conducts a comparative analysis of energy transition policies in Germany, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore to derive actionable lessons that can be adapted to Thailand’s socio-economic and energy contexts. Using the Integrated National Energy Planning (INEP) framework and Network Governance Theory, the research identifies key strategies, such as setting clear and achievable renewable energy targets, establishing robust legal frameworks, fostering multi-stakeholder engagement, and encouraging decentralized governance. The findings highlight the importance of long-term vision, inclusive governance, and targeted investments in renewable technologies to accelerate energy transitions. This paper presents policy guidelines to enhance Thailand’s energy security and contribute to its climate goals by promoting public awareness and strengthening institutional capacities. By adapting these strategies, Thailand can align with global energy trends, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and advance toward a resilient and sustainable energy system, aligned with global energy trends while addressing its unique socio-economic context.

LANGUAGE OF TOTALITARIANISM: NATIONAL LINGUISTIC POLICY IN FASCIST ITALY AND MILITARIST JAPAN

When it comes to creating a notorious ideology, in the hands of those in power, language becomes a tool for consolidating a nation. Fascist Italy and militarist Japan are prime examples of the use of language as a means of uniting people in the name of proclaimed “new” values and ideals. In the present article the authors provide a detailed analysis of language policy in both countries: from the initial desire to unite the inhabitants of the country with the proclaimed order under the aegis of a single nation by means of language, to open hostility to any manifestations of heterogeneity, in particular to regional dialects or dialectal variants of the literary national language, to an open struggle against loan words, even those that had already been firmly established or consolidated in the domestic language. The study attempts to trace what changes happened to Italian and Japanese languages when intransigent parties had come to power with their ideologies; to analyze to what extent the language policies of Italy and Japan in the 1st half of the 20th century are similar and to what extent they differ; and we also summarise the results of such restrictive language policies after the World War II resulted in the said politicians’ defeat.

Elderly Citizenship Experience under Different Pension Policies: A Comparative Analysis of China and Japan

Abstract: As global population structures change rapidly, the social rights and welfare of the elderly have increasingly become a focal point of societal concern. Pension policies not only address economic issues but also encompass welfare levels, social equity, citizenship rights, and identity. This paper explores the impact of different pension policies on the citizenship experience of the elderly by comparing the pension systems of China and Japan. The study is based on pension policy documents and related data from both countries and employs a comparative social policy analysis. The comparison is conducted conceptually, focusing on the scope, content, and depth of the pension policies in China and Japan, in order to reflect on the elderly's citizenship experience in both nations. The research highlights that Chinas pension policy features a single-tier structure with limited autonomy and marked urban-rural disparities, which restrict the citizenship experience of the elderly. In contrast, Japans retirement policy is characterized by mandatory participation, clear responsibilities, and a multi-tiered structure, providing broader coverage and more comprehensive social rights and a sense of identity for the elderly. However, this system also brings about noticeable class divisions.

From restriction to relaxation: The impact of fertility policy on household savings across countries

This paper presents a quantitative assessment of the impact of fertility policy adjustments on household saving rates using a panel data policy evaluation approach. We examine seven Asian regions that initially implemented restrictive fertility policies and later relaxed them, providing a unique empirical context for understanding the economic impact of such policy shifts. The analysis indicates that early restrictive fertility policies had a significant impact on the household saving rate, resulting in increases ranging from 4 to 21 % across countries. However, the subsequent relaxation of these policies had mostly insignificant effects on household savings rates, with the exception of Japan. Specifically, the implementation of fertility restriction policies in China, Hong Kong (China), Malaysia, and Singapore is associated with a 4 to 10 % increase in the household saving rate. In Korea, these policies lead to an increase of 18.3 %, and in Iran, the effect is most pronounced, with a 21 % increase in the household saving rate. In contrast, the relaxation of family planning policies in Japan resulted in a 6.4 % decrease in the household savings rate. These results provide new quantitative evidence on the impact of fertility on household saving rates, support the life-cycle theory of saving, and provide explanations for the differential impact of such policy adjustments.

A Comparison of Medical Education Policies in Japan and Singapore with a Focus on Governance: Implications for Korea

Among Asian nations, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea exemplify countries with high standards of medical quality. This review explores the differences in medical education policies between Japan and Singapore, particularly concerning governance, and discusses the implications for South Korea’s medical education policies. Relevant documents were analyzed by referencing scholarly articles and data from governmental and expert organizations in each country. In Japan, advances in medical education policies include initiatives such as the regional quota system and the core curriculum model, which emphasize stakeholder engagement and transparency. However, challenges persist due to limited stakeholder participation, necessitating a transition toward a more equitable governance paradigm. Singapore’s model features robust public-private partnerships with minimal direct governmental intervention, emphasizing innovation and community integration, as seen in the Healthier SG project. These case studies demonstrate effective governance involving significant stakeholder collaboration and strategic financial investments. Conversely, South Korea’s medical education policies face challenges from a predominantly government-centric approach, with an absence of cohesive governance structures and inadequate involvement from essential professional stakeholders. This situation has led to policy inconsistencies and a deficit of strategic direction, exacerbated by insufficient financial support for educational infrastructure and program development. The experiences of Japan and Singapore indicate that it would be beneficial for South Korea to adopt integrated governance frameworks that prioritize transparency and collaboration. Furthermore, increasing financial investment in medical education could mitigate existing deficiencies and improve the quality and effectiveness of its healthcare education system.

Continuing ‘reforming’ policies in teacher education internationally: what can we learn from current accounts?

ABSTRACT This article discusses common geopolitical issues, such as globalisation, decolonialisation, and economic pressure that affect the development of teacher education policy in England, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Russia, Israel, Jamaica, Portugal, Japan, Poland, and China. It goes on to describe these nations’ responses to these pressures and the challenges that they have and continue to face in developing their teacher education systems and building the profession. The article concludes with consideration of the ongoing struggle for the soul of teacher education, especially in England.

Japan's cautious transition to a migration country and potential opportunities for Türkiye

Previously a country closed to the so-called low-skilled foreign workers, Japan introduced new programs aimed at increasing the their intake and permanent settlement in an incremental way. Although few studies address these initiatives, the question of why Japan has adopted a convoluted way to the permanent settlement of low-skilled workers has not been illuminated so far. The objective of this paper is to examine the main characteristics of the emerging immigration policy in Japan and the underlying reasons thereof. The paper applied documentary analysis by utilizing publicly available official documents, and secondary literature on the topic. The main findings of the study are that Japan has developed a skills-based perspective which ties expansion of rights and permanent residency to the development of occupational skills. The new immigration policy has resulted from the economic needs of the country, the desire to protect its national image and reputation, and the influence of a negative public perception on the so-called low-skilled/unskilled foreign workers. The final section discusses the possible opportunities that Japan’s new immigration policy can bring for Turkey.

A Study on the Evolution of Oil Trade Relations Between Japan and Russia from Geopolitical Perspective

The research on the relationship between international trade and geopolitics has garnered extensive attention. However, there are still numerous aspects worth discussing in the study of the impact of East Asian geopolitics on its economic and trade exchanges. This paper analyzes the changes in the oil trade policy of Japan and Russia under the influence of international relations between ecology and geopolitics. This article also examines the distinct dilemmas of Japan and Russia and the trend of international relations. That is, Russia is facing the blockade of its energy economy and trade by Western countries, and Japan is facing the problem of oil trade simplification, as well as the impact and influence of the international environment and the policies of the two countries. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions. Japan should seek a trade balance among big countries flexibly and pragmatically. As a big country, Russia should assume a leadership role in global trade while pursuing mutually beneficial and win-win results with other countries.

Japan's territorial policy /Land disputes in East China Sea/

"Land is the foundation of the country," said the King of the Human Dynasty. In the history of mankind, since the formation of clans, property relations, and the state, the struggle for land has continued uninterruptedly and will certainly continue without end. Today it may seem like problems are solved, but what will happen tomorrow is unpredictable. The more countries border, the more problems arise, and not only continental countries but also countries surrounded by seas cannot avoid this problem. This presentation discusses the territorial and nominal issues of the disputed maritime border with Japan. Нутаг дэвсгэрийн талаарх япон улсын баримтлах бодлого Хураангуй: “Газар бол улсын үндэс” гэж Хүн гүрний хаан хэлсэн байдаг. Хүн төрөлхтөний түүхэнд овгийн байгуулал, өмчийн харилцаа, сүүлд төрт улс үүссэн цагаас хойш газрын нутгийн төлөөх тэмцэл тасралтгүй үргэлжлэлж ирсэн бөгөөд цаашид ч эцэс төгсгөлгүй үргэлжлэх нь гарцаагүй. Өнөө магадгүй амар амгалан, асуудлаа шийдсэн мэт харагдавч маргааш юу болохыг таашгүй. Хичнээн улс оронтой хиллэнэ, төдий чинээ асуудал үүсдэг ба эх газрын орнуудын төдийгүй далай тэнгисээр хүрээлэгдсэн улс орнуудыг энэхүү асуудлыг тойрч гарахгүй юм. Энэхүү илтгэлээрээ Япон улстай далай тэнгисийн хилийн маргаантай газар нутаг, нэршилийн асуудлыг хөндсөн болно. Түлхүүр үг: нутаг дэвсгэрийн нэршил, Сан Францискогийн гэрээ, Гаагийн конвенц, нотолгоо

Understanding ASEAN's Perception and Response to Japan's "Indo-Pacific Strategy"

The ASEAN region is located along Japan's critical maritime lifeline and has maintained close cooperation with Japan in various fields for an extended period, making it a pivotal point for Japan's "Indo-Pacific Strategy". To successfully advance this strategy, Japan has strengthened cooperation with ASEAN and its member states in the economic and maritime security sectors through dual-track diplomacy, seeking ASEAN's recognition and support for the strategy. ASEAN views Japan's policies as beneficial to its development and capable of enhancing its strategic autonomy to some extent. However, the regional order constructed by Japan's "Indo-Pacific Strategy" undermines ASEAN's centrality in the regional security architecture and negatively impacts its amicable relations with China. To preserve its centrality, ASEAN introduced the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific", aiming to articulate its vision and stance clearly to maintain its central role in regional affairs. Furthermore, ASEAN employs a hedging strategy amid great power competition to safeguard its interests and actively collaborates with external countries to expand its strategic autonomy.

Evolution of Cluster Policy in Japan

This article offers a narrative analysis of Japan’s strategy for fostering economic growth through the establishment and advancement of clusters, defined as geographically concentrated groups of companies and organizations operating within related industries. While cluster policy was actively pursued in Japan from 2000 to 2010, its implementation was subsequently discontinued. However, this cessation did not signify a failure of the policy or a rejection of supporting clusters through alternative means. Furthermore, the implementation of cluster measures yielded valuable insights applicable to numerous transition and developing countries. Following the introduction, the article provides an overview of key concepts from economic-geographical theory, which characterize clusters as pivotal tools for innovative development. The subsequent segment delves into the characteristics of traditional industrial concentration zones in Japan, which share similarities with analogous formations in England and Italy outlined in early cluster studies. The third part scrutinizes existing clusters and cluster policy in Japan, including the selection of target industries and support measures. It identifies the factors contributing to the success of Japanese cluster policy as well as the limitations it faced during the global financial crisis of 2007–2008, the installation of the opposition Democratic government in 2009–2012, and the 2011 disaster alongside subsequent budget constraints. The fourth section elucidates the contemporary approach to fostering the innovation process within a regional context, known as the “platform model,” and underscores the rationale for modifying the cluster approach. Consequently, the article underscores that many facets of Japan’s cluster policy hold relevance for countries and regions aspiring to utilize the cluster method as a means of promoting innovative economic growth. Specifically, Japan’s experience in stimulating territorial concentration, fostering vertical cooperation among agro-industrial enterprises, establishing cluster management organizations, and transitioning from a narrow cluster to a broader “platform” policy for cultivating regional innovation ecosystems may offer valuable insights for post-Soviet states.

Walking in Parallel: Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity in Korea, 1899–1945

In the early twentieth century, Korean Catholic and Protestant Churches found themselves in a period of significant power transition, from a neo-Confucian dynasty to a colonial regime. Imperial Japan and Christianity thus posed a mutual challenge: church leaders worked to sustain and increase their Evangelical mission field within Korea's new socio-political environment, while, simultaneously, the Japanese depended on the cooperation of the Korean Christian communities to fulfil their colonial project. In this dynamic of State-Church relations, Catholics and Protestants constantly vied for ascendancy. This article examines how the two Christian denominations engaged with each other and with Korea's coloniser, as imperial Japan's policies varied and its international status fluctuated.

Same goal, different measures: Obscure transformation in Japan's food security policy (1970–2020)

AbstractFor decades, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture has implemented various measures to ensure a stable food supply, considering food security a top priority due to the increasing uncertainty of the global economy. However, the ministry's food security policy has evolved substantially with a disproportionate focus on the domestic production of specific food products. This policy change occurred without being widely recognized by the public, media, or intellectuals. Why has the Agricultural Ministry's policy changed even though its goal has remained the same? By applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we investigated the context behind this obscure policy transition. Our findings reveal that, contrary to conventional understanding, this policy shift occurred not so much due to political pressure from the agricultural sector, but mainly because of a change in the definition of a key policy concept (i.e., the food self‐sufficiency rate) in the late 1980s.