Genealogy and Development of Philosophy adopted by Metropolitan Administrations in Japan

Abstract

This article examines the genealogy of expressions indicating transitions “from A to B,” such as “from a big government to a small government,” to better understand the development of the philosophy advocated to achieve administrative goals in post-war Japanese administrations. Leading metropolitan administrations are expected to develop ideas for organizations based on the history that led to the government's current way of thinking. Administrators also seek organizational forms that are most suitable for a metropolitan administrative entity to fulfill its role. This article examines major metropolitan government administrators who have considered the form of organization necessary to accurately respond to the newly advocated philosophy; the new metropolitan administrative entities appropriately select multiple local governments within the metropolitan area, necessarily forming organizations that can demonstrate a high level of policy power.