Japan’s Political Dysfunction

Analyzing the rapid turnover in Japanese prime ministers in the Asia Sentinel, Todd Crowell questions whether constitutional changes imposed during the US occupation of Japan after World War II could be the cause. General Douglas MacArthur organized a constitution that retained the monarchy and relied on a parliamentary form of government. Crowell contends the powerful House of Councilors, which can defeat bills and prevent amendments, may be too powerful. The lower House of Representatives can override upper house’s decisions only with a two-thirds majority. The earthquake/tsunami disaster unified the country only briefly. Conservatives and liberals take firm stances, forcing Japanese prime ministers to find coalition partners and negotiate. In general, the Japanese would prefer creating their own constitution, but liberals would resist changes to two amendments, the 9th which forbids war and the 24th which provides equal rights for women. New Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda faces many challenges, including nuclear-disaster cleanup, economic recession and a polarized Diet. – YaleGlobal