Local Politics and National Policy

The book examines the conflicts between central and local governments in Japan, highlighting how local politics have influenced national policy decisions. It argues that since the 1990s, shifts in the national political landscape and decentralization have led to a separation of local and national party systems. By comparing Japan's experience with that of Germany, Canada, and the UK, it explores the underlying causes of multi-level policy conflicts, providing insights into the dynamic interplay between different levels of governance.