Reinventing Japan: From Merchant Nation to Civic Nation

The book is about new dynamic forces that are driving change in Japan. It is developed around two key concepts of civil society and social capital. The focus is on pathways to Japan's social renewal that promotes stronger communities and more participatory citizenship beyond the reach of economic growth.

Table of Contents:
Introduction * National Identity and Democracy: Reactive Pacifism to Pro-active Pacifism * A Local Focus of the Nation State: Production to Consumption Priorities * The Rise of Voluntary Association: Exclusive Chien-Ketsuen to Inclusive Voluntarism * Democratic Decentralization: Participation in Local Community Decision-Making * Co-Governance by Local Government and Civil Society Groups: Balancing Equity and Efficiency for Trust in Public Institutions * "Digital" Local Communities: Disengagement to Participation * Women in Grassroots Politics: Voters to Politicians * Foreigners in Local Communities: Beneficiaries to Participants * Conclusion

About the Author :
Yasuo Takao is Senior Lecturer in Political Studies at Curtin University of Technology, Australia.

Review :
"This is politics from the grassroots level. Takao's nuanced focus on local government and voluntary associations forms the basis of a lively and provocative reinterpretation of Japanese society, including both its recent history and its future directions. The book will be an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to understand the new shape of Japanese democracy and governance." - Sandra Wilson, Associate Professor Japanese Studies, Murdoch University, Australia "Yasuo Takao presents a fascinating and original perspective on Japan's alleged 'lost decade.' In reflecting upon the growing significance of civil society, social capital, and 'glocalization,' his study presents a valuable corrective to many orthodox accounts of Japanese politics rooted in statist, economistic and territorialist analytical assumptions." - Anthony McGrew, Professor of International Relations and Head of the School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom "Yasuo Takao challenges existing understandings of state-civil society relations by focusing on local governments and local communities. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and a deep engagement with the political science literature, this book provides original and refreshing insights into the actions of citizens in local government, non-profit organisations, volunteer groups, women's groups and the internet, and their contribution to the formation of a new 'civic nation.' " - Vera Mackie, University of Melbourne, author of Feminism in Modern Japan, Citizenship, Embodiment and Sexuality. " Japanese society is clearly in transition and Yasuo Takao provides important evidence that Japanese citizens are becoming more involved in the political decisions affecting their lives. No longer willing to accept a "Japan, Inc." controlled by big business and central government officials, people are forming new alliances to advance their interests and address local problems. For students of contemporary Japanese politics, this book's optimistic view of the future of Japan's democratic institutions will be a welcomed contribution." - John Sagers, Associate Professor of History, Linfield College