Abstract
In Japan, since the Koizumi cabinet, policies based on neoliberalism have been implemented. As a result, there are reports of the deepening of deflation in the economy, the widening of the gap in the society and the weakening of national strength. As a democratic country, the level of acceptance by the nation affects policy decisions in Japan. Thus, the purpose of this study was the empirical analysis of supporting attitudes towards Neoliberalism and its determinants. First, we developed hypotheses on the supporting attitude towards Neoliberalism and its determinants. Secondly, we performed a questionnaire survey and Structural Equation Modelling to test these hypotheses. As a result, the low evaluation of Japan had the strongest effect on the supporting attitude towards Neoliberalism. It was further suggested that the results of Neoliberal policies could stimulate the low evaluation of Japan and consequently could strengthen the supporting attitude towards Neoliberalism. This suggests the existence of a spiral of deepening Neoliberalism in society.
