Books in the Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies series

Considers the changes that the Education Reform Act has made to the British education system and then examines the reforms from the perspective of the system in Japanese education. The text outlines areas in which the new system is deficient and discusses economic objectives of education.

While the US-Japan alliance has strengthened since the end of the Cold War Japan has, almost unnoticed, been building security ties with other partners, in the process reducing the centrality of the US in Japan¿s security; this book explains why this is happening.

The first known detailed study of the early history of the Japanese Diet, providing thorough discussion of the origins of the Japanese parliament and it's development during this formative period. Drawn from primary sources.

This book investigates the connections between socio-structural aspects, individual agency and happiness in contemporary Japan from a life course perspective. The contributors examine empirical data on the processes which impact how happiness and well-being are envisioned, crafted and debated in Japan across the life-cycle. The book discusses the shifting notions of happiness during people¿s lives from birth to death, analyzing the age group-specific experiences while taking into consideration people's life trajectories and historical changes. It points also out recent developments in regards to demographic change, late marriage, and the changing labor market.

The 'San Francisco System' determined the post-war political and security order in the Asia-Pacific. Drawing on research and analysis, this work gives a comprehensive examination of the system, uncovering key links between the regional problems in the Asia-Pacific and their underlying association with Japan.

Green Politics in Japan reveals that green issues have yet to displace the traditional urban politics of post-industrial Japan. Indeed, it seems that political values are still informed by the conservative values of hierarchy and deference

Examines the decision-making processes of the Chinese and Japanese governments during the 'textbook issue' - a scandal involving the rewriting of Japanese school textbooks according to a biased, politically charged view of history.

In this adventurous new study, Brian J. McVeigh demonstrates how nominally conflicting impressions of Japan can be reconciled by a greater understanding of the state - revealing flaws in current intellectual discourse.

Bringing to light the enduring legacy of a great Japanese author who has contributed to an unmasking of the unsustainability of talk of an 'East-West' divide, this volume will be of interest to Japanese literature students.

This book explores the vital linkage between Japan's national security and the safety of its sea lanes.

The unresolved territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over the South Kuril Islands/Northern Territories remains the largest obstacle to concluding a peace treaty and normalising bilateral relations between the nations. This book traces the evolution of transnational relations between subnational public authorities in Hokkaido and Sakhalin.

This study explores the symbiotic relationship between architecture and authority throughout Japanese history. It considers key structures and how they have been used as active conveyors of power, relating buildings to political ambitions and religious beliefs of the major historical eras in Japan.

Examines the growth and nature of such civil society participation in local urban and environmental governance. This book presents a study of the "machizukuri" processes which focus on an emerging trend toward increased civic participation in managing processes of urban change in Japan. It also provides an overview of the "machizukuri" phenomenon.

This book explores the way Japan uses soft power in its relationship with the US, its Asian neighbours and Europe and aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of soft power in international relations.

Provides a thorough examination of vocational education and training in all parts of the education system; from primary education through to in-house training in companies and on the shop floor.

Gives a detailed examination of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in its role promoting, protecting and preserving the regime of agricultural support and protection. The text explains why Japan continues to provide high levels of assistance to its farmers.

This book studies specific regional issues and problems, exploring recent related political developments in Japan, and how these might impact on future foreign policy priorities and objectives.

Explaining why the attempts to reform the Japanese educational system have failed, this book argues that the lessons learned from this failure have a wider relevance in the Japanese policy-making process as a whole.

Approaches the history of Japanese-German relations from a business history perspective. Starts with an overview of relations, then uses case studies to broaden the picture to consider strategy, technology and management transfer.

An assessment of the development of democracy through the writings of Maruyama Masao. Based on contemporary documents and on interviews, it is the only full-scale analysis of his work to be published in English.

Japan, Internationalism and the UN provides a unique insight into Japan's foreign policy and its related domestic politics. It is the product of a wealth of study and discussion with the Japanese themselves about their place in the world.

This detailed analysis of Japan's relations with sub-Saharan Africa over the last twenty years explores the political and economic contexts surrounding Japan's attitude towards apartheid, trade, aid and investment.

Argues that the model nature of large firms may stem in part from the fact that they are able to off-load problems onto smaller firms who produce the components necessary for the large firm sector at disadvantageous subcontract terms.

Via a range of issues such as abortion, suicide, capital punishment and death from overwork, this study analyzes the social sciences and law studies of contemporary Japan. It approaches the right to life in Japan from a legal viewpoint and includes a discussion from an historical perspective.