Issues of Freedom of Information and Accountability of Central and Local Governments in Japan

Realization of Retrospective Investigation of Governments

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between the freedom of government information―both central and local governments―and accountability in Japan. First, it introduces this relationship in the research field of public administration, mentioning the wide range of freedom of government information, based on the textbook by Prof. Masaru Nishio. It then discusses the role of institutions in long­-term stock and use of information―that is, libraries and archives―which can contribute to the wide range of the freedom of government information. It further suggests the challenges facing those institutions dealing with electronic and diverse government information. Finally, it argues for the importance of the concept of accountability as a means of retrospective investigation of the government, along with recent trends of public administration in Japan, such as the legal activities of local governments under decentralization.