Opposition Politics in Japan

The Liberal Democratic Party in Japan remained in power continuously between 1955 and 1993. In this groundbreaking study of the dominance of the LDP in Japanese politics over the last forty years, Opposition Politics in Japan examines the challenges which were mounted against this regime and explores why they failed. The subjects covered include opportunities for a united opposition during the 1970s, ideological, organisational and electoral aspects of the opposition's lack of response to such opportunities and the causes of opposition fragmentation. The book also looks at attempts at coalition, the influence of the trade unions, the importance of organisational factors and the influence, if any, of the oppositions's Marxist tendencies. A highly original and thorough exploration of the issues, Opposition Politics in Japan is essential reading for all those interested in Japanese politics.

Stephen Johnson has spent nine years studying in Japan, including four as a doctoral student at Pembroke College, Oxford. He currently works for Daiwa Europe Ltd. His previous publications include articles for Japan Forum.

Chapter 1 Japanese opposition Part Ies and their lost opportunities; Chapter 2 Misunderstood reform; Chapter 3 Coalitions and crises; Chapter 4 Coalitions and crises; Chapter 5 Exceptional success; Chapter 6 The causes of opposition fragmentation under the 1955 system; Chapter 7 Final conclusions;