REFORMING NATIONAL LEADERSHIP & THE RISE OF A NEW POLITICO-ADMINISTRATIVE INTERFACE IN JAPAN: ENTRENCHING A CABINET CENTRED MODEL OF GOVERNMENT

Abstract

Leadership is one of the most intensively researched topics in political science as well as in public administration. It has also been a popular theme in business administration. Substantial research data have helped enhance public understanding of this complex issue. This essay may therefore provide only a small addendum to the current large quantity of research. Nevertheless, the paper attempts to look a leadership in a different light. The main purpose of this manuscript is to explore and find answers to the troublesome question of why Japanese governments have often failed to produce effective and enduring leadership. The paper attempts to describe several impediments to reform efforts for “Party Centred” or “Cabinet Focused” government becoming established in Japan’s politics.