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Civil Society and Japan’s Dysfunctional Democracy

Japan has long been described as a dysfunctional democracy due to the limited role of grassroots movements compared to other industrialized countries. This paper critiques the notion of an Asian path to democracy in Japan and outlines how industrial maturation and globalization have given rise to new forms of Japanese social activism. The historical growth and development of Japan’s grassroots movements is analyzed, with a focus on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in international development. The paper examines in detail the push and pull factors behind the growth and influence of these NGOs, and analyzes the new forms of state-society relations that have emerged as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NGOs begin to collaborate. Finally, the paper assesses the significance of grassroots activism for democratic invigoration in Japan and beyond.