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"The second Abe administration, which lasted for seven years and eight months, turned out to be the longest administration in Japan's constitutional history. What factors contributed to its remarkable longevity? What accomplishments and enduring legacies did this administration achieve during its tenure? Originally published in Bungeishunju in Japanese, this book examines policies pursued by the administration and its governance based on over 50 investigative interviews with key figures in the administration, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The contributors cover nine major policies, including economic policy, diplomacy and security, work style reform, trade liberalisation, and historical issues, and explore why a specific policy was chosen at that time, who made that decision, and on what grounds. Reviewing such decision-making processes sheds light on the issue of governance. Consequently, this book also analyses the administration's distinctive style of governance, such as strong leadership from the Prime Minister's Office, ability to navigate party politics, and overwhelming victories in national elections. An essential for scholars and students in the fields of public administration, public policy, Japanese studies and Asian Studies"--

Factions : the 'parties within a party' weaken -- Party presidential elections and the distribution of positions : the increasing power of the party president -- The policy making process : the LDP's system of preliminary review and prime minister-led politics -- National elections : the LDP diet membership's underlying two-tier structure -- The partner organisations of the LDP : their votes and money in decline -- The local party and personal support organisations : foundations of LDP's strength -- Conclusion. The LDP today : shifting organisation and changing ideas.

Introduction : The DPJ's Evolution and Three Years in Power / Koichi Nakano -- The Manifesto : Why was the DPJ Unable to Keep its Campaign Promises? / Koji Nakakita -- Political Leadership : The Failure of the DPJ's "Five Measures" / Akihisa Shiozaki -- The Economy and Public Finance : The Challenges and Setbacks of Reform / Hideaki Tanaka -- Foreign Policy and Security under the DPJ : From Idealism to Pragmatism / Ken Jimbo -- The Child Allowance : A Failed Attempt to Put "Children First" / Kumiko Hagiwara -- The DPJ's Mismanagement of Administration and Party : Was Ozawa Alone to Blame? / Koichi Nakano -- DPJ Election Strategy : The Dilemma of Landslide Victory / Phillip Y. Lipscy -- Conclusion : A Message to the DPJ : Be the Political Party of Reform. Improve Your Ability to Govern / Yoichi Funabashi