Thanks to Prof. Campbell for sharing this interesting article.

Since the present Constitution went into effect in 1947, Japan has had a parliamentary cabinet system in
form but not in practice. If Abe succeeds in placing
the cabinet in control over administrative vice-minister (jimujikan) appointments, it could herald a major enhancement in political oversight of Kasumigaseki. Of course, even if Abe is able to fend off the inevitable counterattack from the career civil servants and their political allies, it will take time and vigilance to institutionalize cabinet control over jimukikan appointments and the various formal and
informal ways in which bureaucrats shape policy. Then
there are the obstacles that these
politically-appointed jimujikan will confront in attempting to fully take control over bureaucratic appointments within their ministries and placing the cabinet in charge of imparting tactical direction to policymaking. If history is a guide, Abe must be committed to a long, pitched battle with a formidable foe backed by staunch allies. This will be interesting to keep an eye on.

Brian Woodall