Thoughts Concerning Institutional Reform for Revitalizing the Diet

ABSTRACT

Japan employs a parliamentary system with core politics (governance) in the hands of the cabinet, which is answerable to and based upon the support of a majority of the Diet. Currently, in almost all countries around the world, there is a visible trend toward the expansion of administrative functions-sometimes referred to as a "movement toward administrative states"-that is expanding the limits of power, authority and functions of the executive branch. Meanwhile, the power of the legislative branch is declining. However, as recent globalization has made the adverse affects of a vertically constructed executive branch become more apparent, there is also progress-though very gradual-towards a strengthened cabinet office within executive branch reforms. For the Diet as well, there is a desire for the development of institutional reforms that will exercise the benefits of a Diet made up of candidates elected by the people, and that will conduct substantive deliberations. On the other hand, ruling party review of proposed legislations prior to submission plays a very large role, whereas deliberation time for parliamentary committees and plenary sessions is short and is becoming formulaic. Reforms are necessary in order to enhance the function of the Diet as a place for meaningful discussion and review.

There is a wide range of necessary reforms, including: