Local Government and Public Policy in Japan: History and Issues

Abstract

Local autonomy is generally the principle that constitutes the governance mechanism and is a way of thinking to establish a local government based on the democratic principle apart from the central government. Concerning to the public policy on local autonomy, firstly, there is a policy to locate local autonomy in the national governance system. Secondly, the positioning of local autonomy in the governance structure necessarily requires policies that prescribe the relationship between the central government and the local government, that is, the intergovernmental relationship. Thirdly, policies governing the local government system responsible for local autonomy are required. Generally, it is necessary to define the type and hierarchy of local governments, and to institutionalize their authority and organization. Fourth, apart from the basic framework of local autonomy, there are regional policies that the central government directly or indirectly works with local governments and policy intervention in individual areas of governmental action. Fifth, local governments as democratic governments basically decide and implement policies to achieve their objectives. Activities of such will have the meaning of public policy. In order for activities related to public policy to be implemented, it is needed whether they are mounting ideas and awareness, knowledge and technology, and their operational capabilities about public policy. In this paper, from the five viewpoints, we consider the public policy of local governments in Japan. For that purpose, we will inquire a theoretical study and outline the history of public policy on local autonomy up to today. And I would like to clarify issues on public policy in local autonomy.