Discussions about Japan, it seems to me, tend to revolve around the national level of power (i.e. bureaucrats, politicians, etc.), but the local level is rarely, if ever, mentioned. This intrigues me. Discussion about local politics seem to be a casualty of interest in activities of the national government.

As Japan is a centralized state (relative to the US) I wonder if change, although historically finding its impetus from above, might not find some impetus at the local, prefectural or smaller level. I have seen various allusions to de-centralization (political), i.e. post-Hanshin earthquake discussions, although shortlived, were generated and illuminated the government's alledged mishandling of the emergency, but little concrete information.

I would like to stimulate a discussion about politics at the local level (this is something I am going to research next year). In addition, any advice or recommended readings would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Mick Corliss