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Paper short abstract

This presentation conducts an empirical analysis of the crisis facing local governance in rural areas using survey data collected from Japanese local politicians and Japanese voters. It also introduces proposals from organizations such as the National Governors' Association (Zenkku Chiji-kai).

Paper long abstract

The framework of Japan's modern local autonomy system was designed with reference to American local governance after World War II. However, the foundations of the various systems supporting local autonomy (such as the electoral system and local assembly system) are rooted in pre-war European systems. This is evident from the fact that Japan's local electoral system and local administrative structure are premised on the concept of “noblesse oblige.” In Japan, the further one goes into rural areas, the more local autonomy tends to rely on individuals possessing significant political resources, including social capital.

In recent years, Japan has entered a phase of population decline, making the sustainability of local autonomy in rural areas a critical political issue. There is a shortage of candidates for town and village council positions, and the reorganization of voting districts due to population decline is worsening the voting environment. Securing polling station officials is also becoming difficult for many municipalities.

This paper examines the impact of population decline on the institutions supporting local autonomy and democracy in Japan, along with its underlying causes. For instance, the environment for running in local elections in Japan assumes candidates lack party support, and many Japanese support the view that “party conflicts from the central level should not be brought into local politics.” Furthermore, the Japanese are reluctant to donate to politicians, making it difficult to cover the costs of running for office through donations. Furthermore, influenced by the prewar honorary councilor system, the remuneration for town and village council members is kept remarkably low.

This paper conducts empirical analysis using survey data collected from local politicians and voters. It then introduces the various initiatives being undertaken to address the crisis facing local autonomy in rural areas. It also discusses proposals from organizations such as the National Governors' Association (Zenkku Chiji-kai) and the National Association of Chairpersons of Town and Village Assembly (Zenkok Choson Gikai Gicho-kai), as well as efforts being made by local governments themselves.