Emperor – 2600 yrs with its 125^th currently. Actually maybe only 1500 yrs back. No economic or political power; just as symbol of authority. In 1600 up to 1868, ruled by Tokugawa Shogun – very powerful government. Emperor Palace in Kyoto is small; but Tokugawa Palace in Tokyo (built by Tokugawa) is very big. Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki (big China Town in Japan). During Tokugawa, the closed-door policy was implemented. When Spanish wen to Philippines, Spanish converted Philipinos into Christianity. Thus, only Dutch (Holland) were allowed to enter Japan since Dutch didn’t have an intention to convert the Japanese religion. 1853, US Naval Fleet with 4 warships came to Japan. Being afraid, the Japan government in 1854, open the door to others. 1854 - 1868 was the period of confusion until Tokugawa government was overthrown – Restoration Period. In 1868 - 1945, the power was returned to the Emperor, known as Meiji (the monarch which was in power for 50 years (1868 - 1918)). The Meiji was the emperor when he was only 16 and he died in 61 (in 1911). Since 1945, Democratization has been introduced. The people could abolish the Emperor if they wanted to. In 1930, Emperor’s Army tried to invade China. When the government asked the army to withdraw, they refused. Okinawan were killed by the Emperor Army in 1930 - 1945. Liberal Democratic Party is big in the government but less members and very weak. On the other hand, Communist Party is big. Today, election is no longer interfered by the government as before in 1945. [Government (1868 - 1918) + Zaibatsu (Mitsubishi, Mitsui) + Political Parties controlled by Zaibatsu] has close relationship >>> manipulate the army during China invasion.

Free economic policy

Labor Union

Land reformation.

No more landlords (land for the farmers could not be reformed without the government permission.

Farmers are very strong nowadays – labor union (farmers cooperative); easy to get fund from government for farming purposes.

Before 1984, Japan imported chickens from USA. Then "Yakitori" is now imported from Thailand.

During Meiji (until 1945), Japanese must follow SHINTO – the Emperor’s religion. Woman used to have special privilege i.e. couldn’t be unemployed; enjoy monthly leave – all these apart from the maternity leave.

Current Political & Government of Japan. (Refer to page 10 of the note).

In 1949-89, House of Councilor + House of Representative joined to become Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The president becomes a PM, a very powerful one. Refer to pages 6-7 for the Triumvirate Relationship Parties.

Bureaucrats has been controlling Japan for a long period of time. 2% of 900,000 ( 20,000) employed in Ministries à Graduate of Tokyo Universities, the most intelligent people. Other 880,000 others.

Okinawan government being sued by the central government for requesting the US Base here to be out. By court order.

Out of the 100% budget, Central Government gets 70% income and the rest from Local Government. However, the Central Government only spends 30% and the Local Government spends the rest. The Local around 12% and Central about 88%.

Takeshita was forced to resigned for corruption. Uno then was replaced by Ms Doi. Uno, at first thought he could easily win anywhere. Since Ms Doi was a housewife, he competed here. However, because of his sex scandal, when he arrived in the area, a lot of confronters brought banners telling his scandal while it was broadcast nationwide. Because of this incident, he lost and become a guinipig for many women leaders emerged since then.

There have been a lot of confusion in Japanese Government, H/C and H/R always disagree to a bill proposal. In 1989-91, Kaifu was elected as a leader. But later, forced to resign by LDP for not wanting a political reform to abolish corruption. In 1991, Miyasawa became a PM. Until 1991, Ms Doi says no troops to be send outside Japan. In 1992, Miyasama and Kanemaru era, troops could be sent outside, i.e. Cambodia + Somalia. During 1993 election, the PM ( ) want a new and clean government; but since he has no clear vision, he also was forced to resign. In 1994, Murayama is the leader of socialist party. He and LDP + Sakigake formed a coalition party and become the leader of the government. US Navy Base must remain. Thus, people do not trust Socialist Party anymore.

During 1996 election, the crime was to reform Japanese Government, with 250 trillion Yen in debt nationally, and 500 trillion Yen locally. The problem is as follows. Annually, Japan Government spends 70% of tax while 50% from other source of revenue. Thus, annually, there would be 20% deficit / new debt.

How to get money? Increase sales tax from 3% to 5%. Increase hospitalisation tax from 10% to 20%. Unfortunately, aging people i.e. more than 70 years old has to pay 25% hospitalisation tax.

In conclusion, Japan Government must have:

a. financial reform.

b. admin. reform.

c. parliament reform (refer to number of H/C and H/R in USA).

d. local government – to decentralise.

e. business – deregulation.

f. education.

[Mr Hashimoto, the lecturer in college, he received 60,000 Yen 10 years ago. Today, about a student received 120,000 Yen monthly.]