Abstract

The term ‘decentralization’ is popular but imprecise. In Japan decentralizations not the local ‘government reforms’ nor the process of making ‘policy system’ in the local government. The decentralization and the local government reforms mean only rearrangements of project management and operational management systems of local governments.

This article argues that local governments must have the responsibilities of making, implementing, evaluating policies or programs, besides the financial abilities. Without the responsibilities, local government reforms will fail. The key to be ‘good governance’ for local governments is to take the responsibilities.