Examining the evolution of the decision-making process in Japan under the Democratic Party of Japan 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. Implementing conceptual tools borrowed from historical institutionalism, the author explains why the Democrats displayed inflexibility in introducing selected elements of the Westminster system, incoherence in regard to many aspects of the decision-making reform, and unwillingness to take advantage of all of the institutional resources at their disposal.

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