Karol Zakowski is an Assistant Professor at the Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of International and Political Studies, University of Lodz, Poland. His research focuses on decision-making processes in Japanese politics and Sino-Japanese relations.

Introduction 1. The Decision-Making Process under the LDP Administration and the DPJ's Plans of Reforms 2. The Hatoyama Government: Attempt at Creating a New Order 3. The Kan Government: Limits of Reforms 4. The Noda Government: Return to the Old Practices? 5.Summary and Conclusions

Examining the evolution of the decision-making process in Japan under the DPJ administration between the years 2009-2012, this book offers a multidimensional explanation for the reasons for the DPJ's failure in producing effective policymaking mechanisms.