Government in Japan

Keep in Mind How are the USA and Mexico similar? How are they different? How can they cooperate to solve problems? In what areas do they compete?

Land of the Rising Sun Traditionally, all Japanese are descendants of Amaterasu, the sun goddess The Imperial family was worshiped as her direct descendants until 1945.

Imperial Family Emperor Jimmu (picture) is recognized as the first historical Japanese Emperor 119 Emperors and 6 Empresses have followed him, making the Japanese monarchy the world’s longest uninterrupted single family dynasty

“ 平成天皇 = Heisei Tenno” Constitutional Monarchy since 1951 Succession to throne passes father to son. – Daughter only if no other male relative Emperors assume a new title name when they are enthroned – Hirohito=“Showa” – Akihito= “Heisei”

Role of the shougun and bafuku As a god, the emperor was above politics Instead, military leaders (shougun) ruled from “bafuku” tents These “tents” became giant castles over time

Himeji Castle, Hyogo Ken

Matsue Castle, Shimane Ken

The Pacific War After hundreds of years of isolationist military rule, the Japanese attacked across the Pacific from They believed Japan had been turned into an island castle that could not be defeated

The 1947 Constitution After Japan’s defeat in1945, American General MacArthur supervised drafting of a written constitution for Japan. It is still being used today.

1947 “Peace” Constitution of Japan 103 total articles, including – Article 1- Recognizes Emperor as sovereign – Article 3- Emperor’s Cabinet will make policy – Article 9- Forbids War and Force to solve international problems – Article 13- Right to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness Note- this is NOT in US Constitution, only Dec. of Indp. – Article 14 outlaws discrimination in public life – Article 20- Freedom of religion – Article 26- Equal education for all – Article 28- Right to collective bargaining (unions – Article 36- Torture outlawed – Article 67- Bicameral legislature

Current Structure Constitutional Monarchy over 47 “todofuken” Strong legislative & judiciary, weak executive – Prime Minister is leader of most popular party in Japanese Diet (Congress) – 480 in House of Representatives – 242 in House of Councilors – No term limits – What kinds of benefits/problems might this structure create?

Political Parties Liberal Democratic Party- conservative, largest party, has ruled most of the time since 1955 Democratic Party of Japan second largest, liberal 6 other parties currently have seats in the Diet

Foreign Relations World’s 3 rd largest foreign aid donor at billion in US billion US-Japan Mutual Defense Agreement of 1954 obligates US military to defend Japan Student and teacher exchanges are part of a “soft power” effort to rebuild Japan’s reputation and influence – Manga, Anime and “otaku” culture – Video games and card games like Yu Gi Oh

Emigration and Immigration Issues Declining birth rate started shrinking Japanese population in % of Japanese will be over 65 by Japan is actively recruiting descendants of Japanese emigrants to return (nisei, sansei) – Brazilian and Peruvian Japanese ghettos in Osaka Approximately 400,000 foreign citizens reside in Japan on permanent residence visa.

US- Japan Economy Comparison Japan Free Market Economy of 4.3 trillion USD/yr Average annual gross income $29882 (USD) – 28th of 216 states and territories worldwide 4.1% unemployment rate Exports machinery and technology to world, 20% of US imports come from Japan Ave month net teacher salary $2568 USA Free Market Economy of trillion USD/yr Average annual gross income $42028 (USD) – 6th of 216 states and territories worldwide – 1) Luxembourg, 2)Kuwait, 3) Norway, 4) Brunei, 5) Singapore 4.6% unemployment rate 49% of US exports are capital goods like manufacturing machinery Ave month net teacher salary $4055

Cooperation and Competition What are 3 areas in which the United States and Japan can cooperate to solve mutual problems? What are 3 areas in which it makes sense for the United States to compete with Japan, and vice versa?